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INDIAN  MAP  OF  GLASTENBURY. 


GLASTENBURY 


FOR 


TWO   HUNDRED  YEARS 


CENTENNIAL    DISCOURSE, 


MAY  18th,  a.  D.  1853. 


WITH    AN    APPENDIX, 


CONTAINING 


HISTORICAL  AND  STATISTICAL  PAPERS  OF  INTEREST. 


By  Rev.  ALONZO  B.  CHAPIN,  D.  D., 

Rector  of  St.  Luke's  Church,  South  Glastenbury  ;  Hon.  Mem.  R.  I.  Hist.  Soc. ;  Hon.  Mem. 

Penn.  Hist.  Soc. ;  Mem.  Conn.  Hist.  Soc. ;  Corresponding  Sec.  Philolog. 

Soc. ;  Mem.  Conn.  Acad.  Arts  and  Science,  etc.,  etc. 


Fulgor  Apostolicus  Glastoniam  irradiat. 

Venatius  Fortunatus. 
An  Apostolical  sploidor  irradiates  Glastonbury. 


HARTFORD: 

PRESS  OF  CASE,  TIFFANY  AND  COMPANY. 
1853. 


r 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1S53,  by 

JOHN  A.  HALE,  Chairmam, 
in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  Connecticut. 


PREFATORY   NOTE. 


In  the  preparation  of  a  history  like  the  present,  the  general,  mus 
of  necessity  take  precedence  of  the  particular.  At  the  same  time 
the  more  of  personal  and  particular  history  that  can  be  combined 
with  the  general,  the  more  immediately  and  permanently  interesting 
will  it  be  to  individuals.  The  author  has  endeavoured,  therefore,  so 
to  digest  and  arrange  the  materials  before  him,  that  the  Town,  its 
lands,  its  peojde  and  their  occupations,  should  each  receive  a  due 
share  of  attention.  It  would  have  given  him  pleasure  to  have  been 
able  to  have  enlarged  the  genealogical  portion  of  his  work,  but  this  he 
could  not  do  without  extending  it  beyond  the  size  deemed  suitable 
for  such  a  record.  Wliat  he  has  given  under  this  head,  out  of  the 
abundance  of  the  materials  collected  by  himself,  or  kindly  furnished 
by  friends,  will  enable  many  of  those  who  wish,  to  trace  their  ances- 
try, and  to  do  it  with  much  more  readiness  and  ease  than  before. 
He  trusts,  too,  that  what  he  has  given  in  regard  to  the  ownership 
and  division  of  lands,  will  not  be  without  its  interest  and  value  to  those 
who  desire  to  trace  the  titles  to  their  estates.  And  finally  and  chief- 
ly, he  hopes  and  prays  that  the  history  of  the  Fathers  will  operate  as 
an  incentive  to  the  sons,  to  induce  them  to  put  forth  still  greater 
exertions  in  the  cause  for  which  our  ancestors  toiled,  and  suffered, 
and  bled ;  that  religion  and  learning,  the  two  corner-stones  of  the 
State,  laid  by  our  fathers,  may  arise  and  shine,  because  their  light  is 
come,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  is  risen  upon  them. 


COLLECT. 


DiBKCT  US,  0  Lord,  in  all  our  doings  with  thy 

MOST  GRACIOUS  FAVOUR,  AND  FURTHER  US  WITH  THY 
CONTINUAL  HELP,  THAT  IN  ALL  OUR  WORKS  BEGUN, 
CONTINUED  AND  ENDED  IN  ThEE,  WE  MAY  GLORIFY 
Thy  HOLT  NAME;  AND  FINALLY,  BY  THY  MERCY  OBTAIN 
EVERLASTING  LIFE  THROUGH    JeSUS    CHRIST    OUR    LORD. 

Amen. 


&LASTEIBURY. 


Ladies  and  Gentlemen; 

Sons  and  Citizens  of  Glastenbury: 

In  obedience  to  the  will  of  that  community  in  which  it 
has  pleased  our  heavenly  Father  to  place  me,  I  stand  here, 
your  representative,  on  this  anniversary  occasion.  My  duty, 
therefore,  as  the  representative  of  the  filial  band  I  see  about 
me,  is,  to  recall  the  memory  of  the  past,  that  we  may  the  bet- 
ter understand  the  present — to  remind  you  of  the  history  of 
those  men  of  fearless  daring,  heroic  virtue  and  Christian  prin- 
ciple, whom  we  are  permitted  to  call  our  fathers — to  trace  the 
progress  of  those  institutions  which  they  founded,  through 
the  vicissitudes  of  two  succeeding  centuries — to  mark  the 
causes  which  have  aided,  retarded,  accelerated  or  modified 
the  development  of  those  civil  and  religious  principles  that 
formed  the  life  and  soul  of  the  State  which  they  begun,  that, 
knowing  their  principles  and  purposes,  their  sufferings  and 
trials,  their  wants  and  wishes,  we  may  the  better  understand 
the  cost  of  the  blessings  which  have  descended  to  us,  and 
may  be  induced  thereby  to  make  the  greater  sacrifices  for 
their  preservation.  Thus,  the  memories  of  the  fathers,  em- 
balmed in  the  bosoms  of  the  sons,  will  become  at  once,  me- 
mentoes of  the  past  and  lessons  for  the  present  and  the 
future. 

Less  than  three  centuries  ago,  and  the  wild  man  of  the 
wood  shared  the  lovely  and  the  fertile  valley  of  the  Connec- 
ticut, with  the  wild  beast  of  the  forest,  undisturbed  by  the 


footfall  of  the  white  man,  unknowing  and  unknown  to  the 
civilized  world.  No  sooner  had  the  white  man  anchored  his 
ship  in  the  harbor,  planted  himself  on  the  coast,  reared  a  fort 
and  mounted  his  gun,  than  the  astonished  natives  cried  out, 
Manittowock  ! — they  are  gods*  and  the  fame  thereof  spread- 
ing throughout  all  the  country  roundabout,  their  alliance  and 
protection  were  sought  by  all  the  weaker  tribes.  In  1631, 
Wahquinnacut,  or  Bear-of -long-river, '\  a  sachem  of  some  of 
the  tribes  near  Hartford,  made  a  journey  to  Plymouth  and 
Boston,  beseeching  the  governors  of  those  colonies  to  com- 
mence a  plantation  on  the  Connecticut,  promising  them  corn 
and  beaver  for  their  support.  But  though  the  authorities 
took  no  notice  of  the  application,  individuals  were  moved  by 
the  representations  given  of  the  exceeding  fertility  of  the  soil, 
to  explore  the  country,  and  finally  to  begin  a  settlement. :|: 
The  precise  date  of  this  event  has  not  been  ascertained,  but 
the  settlers  themselves  have  left  it  on  record,  that  Wethers- 
field,  of  which  Glastenbury  was  then  a  part,  is  the  "  most 
Auncient  Towne  of  the  Colony."§  The  first  settlement  of 
Wethersfield,  therefore,  was  probably  commenced  in  1634. 
The  original  purchase  of  the  natives  was  six  miles  north  and 
south,  extending  five  miles  west,  and  three  miles  east  of  Con- 
necticut river ;  which  was  subsequently  enlarged  by  an  ad- 
ditional five  miles  to  the  eastward.  No  deed  of  the  first  pur- 
chase seems  to  have  been  given,  and  the  following  from  the 
Colonial  Records  is  all  the  record  evidence  we  possess  of  that 
transaction. 

"At  a  court  held  at  Watertown,  [Wethersfield,]  November  first,  1636,  [the 
following  deposition  was  received  and  ordered  to  be  recorded.] 


*  R.  W.   111. 

t  So  Dr.  Barratt,  I.  P.  M.  2.  It  is  compounded  of  Wah,  a  contraction  of 
MuK-WAH,  or  M'qwah,  a  bear ;  Gal.  341,  Qunnek,  or  Quinnik,  long,  II.  W. 
146,  Got.  24,  TUK,  or  took,  ivater,  river,  M.  R.  I.  52,  and  ut,  at,  or  on.  Con- 
necticut, therefore,  is  QuENEK-TUK-UT,  or  long  river  ;  a  name  applied  rather 
to  the  Indians  than  the  river. 

X  Def.  I.  73,  B.  H.  C.  124.  Def.  writes  the  name  Waghxnacut,  and  Barb. 
Wahquimacut,  but  Barr.  Wahquinnacut,  which  is  undoubtedly  nearest  the 
truth. 

§  Col.  Law,  1650,  25. 


"Guilford,  June  16, 1665. 
This  is  to  certify,  unto  all  whom  it  may  concernc,  that  upon  his  certaine 
knowledge,  by  the  advice  of  the  Court,  Wethersfeild  men  gaue  so  much  unto 
Sowheag  as  was  to  his  sattisfaction  for  all  their  plantations  lyeing  on  both 
sides  the  great  Iliuer,  w'^  the  Islands,  viz.  six  miles  in  bredth  on  both  sides 
the  Riuer,  &  six  miles  deep  from  the  Riuer  westward,  and  three  miles  deep 
from  the  Riuer  eastward. 

Thus  testifyeth  George  Hubbard. 

By  me  George  Hubbard. 
Taken  upon  oath  before  mc  Willm  Leete ; 

This  is  a  true  coppy  of  the  originell  being  examined  &  compared  therewith 
this  18  of  May,  16C7,  pr  me, 

John  AUyn :  Secrefy."* 

Character  of  the  Country. 

The  present  town  of  Glastenbury  is  six  miles  north  and 
south,  and  "  eight  large  miles"  east  and  west,  as  expressed  in 
the  purchase,  which,  according  to  modern  admeasurement, 
extends  nearly  nine  miles  from  the  river.  The  territory  era- 
braced  within  these  limits,  furnishes  a  greater  variety  of  soil, 
and  diversity  of  landscape,  than  can  often  be  found  within 
the  same  space.  From  "the  Narrows"  in  the  river,  a  short 
distance  above  the  "Wonggum  meadows,  to  the  north  line  of 
the  town,  stretches  a  band  of  rich  alluvion,  of  exceeding  fer- 
tility, varying  from  half  a  mile  to  a  mile  in  width,  furnishing 
some  of  the  richest  and  most  delightful  meadows  in  the 
world.f  East  of  this,  occurs  an  extensive  tract  of  land,  rest- 
ing on  a  substratum  of  red  sandstone,  presenting  all  the  va- 
rieties of  plain  and  rolling  country,  usually  found  in  seconda- 
ry formations.  The  diluvial  of  this  formation,  toward  the 
south  part  of  the  town,  is  piled  up  in  a  peculiar  and  very  in- 
teresting manner,  betokening  some  sudden  and  violent  con- 
vulsion of  nature,  when  the  land  received  its  present  form 
and  appearance.  This  region  of  secondary  averages  about  a 
mile  in  width  from  the  southern  limit  of  the  town,  until  it 


*  T.  C.  R.,  I.  5. 

t  Dr.  Charles  Daubney,  LL.  D.,  Prof,  in  the  Univ.  Oxford,  England,  after 
having  visited  the  principal  countries  of  Europe,  and  several  in  Asia',  for  pur- 
poses of  geological  observation,  came  to  this  country  in  1837.  In  his  account 
of  his  tour  through  the  country,  he  pronounces  the  valley  of  the  Connecticut 
one  of  the  finest  portions  of  country  he  has  anywhere  seen. 


8 

reaches  Roaring  Brook,  when  it  expands  rapidly  to  the  east, 
becoming  some  four  or  five  miles  wide  before  reaching  the 
north  line  of  the  town.  The  land  within  the  limits  of  this 
territory  is  all  easy  of  cultivation,  and  with  proper  attention 
to  manuring,  most  of  it  productive.  Some  parts  of  it,  how- 
ever, are  suffering  the  consequences  of  having  been  overtaxed, 
and  the  drifting  sand  bank  threatened,  at  one  time,  to  over- 
run a  very  large  area  ;  but  the  sudden  and  extensive  spring- 
ing up  of  the  pitch  pine,  (Pinus  rig-ida,)  after  an  absence  of 
several  generations,  has  arrested  this  enemy,  and  rendered  the 
land  itself  valuable.* 

The  remaining  portion  of  the  town  belongs  to  the  primi- 
tive formation,  as  geologists  are  accustomed  to  call  it,  and  is 
composed  mostly  of  stratified  granite  or  gneiss,  presenting 
more  than  the  usual  varieties  of  rock  and  hill,  and  variegated 
landscape,  to  be  found  in  primitive  regions  of  country.  On 
the  western  border  of  this,  there  is  a  narrow  strip  of  chloritic 
gneiss,  dipping  rapidly  to  the  west,  and  traversed  by  large 
dykes  and  veins  of  unstratified  granite.  In  many  places  this 
formation  seems  to  have  been  upheaved  by  some  immense 
power  from  beneath,  and  the  materials  composing  the  granite 
veins  to  have  been  injected,  in  a  state  of  fusion,  into  all  the 
cracks  and  crevices  of  the  broken  rocks.  Various  minerals, 
more  curious  than  useful,  occur  in  these  beds  and  veins  of 
granite,  of  which  broad  plates  of  mica,  and  large  specifnens 
of  feldspar,  are  the  most  abundant.  This  region  is  worthy 
the  especial  notice  of  men  of  science,  presenting  some  of  the 
best  examples  of  the  junction  of  an  unstratified  white  gran- 
ite, of  a  comparatively  recent  date,  with  the  older,  darker  and 
stratified  rock  of  similar  material,  to  be  met  with  in  the  coun- 
try. In  the  south-eastern  portion  of  the  town,  especially  in 
the  region  of  "  Dark  Hollow,"  mica  abounds  in  the  rocks, 
forming  a  coarse  grained  mica  slate.  This  valley  is  the 
mythic  region  in  the  history  of  Glastenbury,  and  stories  of 


*  This  recent  appearance  of  the  pine,  after  so  long  an  absence  from  onr  for- 
ests, is  not  peculiar  to  this  region.  The  same  is  true  of  portions  of  country 
north  of  us,  acres  of  land  being  now  coveretl  with  dense  forests  of  thrifty  pines, 
where  thirty  years  ago  the  tree  was  unknown. 


enchanted  visions  and  wonderful  sights  have  been  rife  con- 
cerning it,  from  an  early  period.  Gold  and  silver,  and  pre- 
cious gems,  have  been  supposed  to  abound  there,  but  have 
been  so  closely  watched  and  guarded  by  "  the  weird  sisters," 
as  thu#far  to  elude  the  sight  of  mortals.  Better  authentica- 
ted is  the  tradition  that  wild  cats  formerly  lived  there  in  great 
abundance.  Between  the  portions  already  described,  the 
predominant  rock  is  a  light  gray  gneiss,  the  superincumbent 
soil  partaking  largely  of  the  materials  which  compose  the 
rocks  themselves.* 

For  a  long  period  after  New  England  was  redeemed  from 
the  abyss  of  waters,  the  whole  valley  of  the  Connecticut 
above  Middletown,  seems  to  have  been  submerged,  and  there 
is  scarcely  room  for  doubt,  that  for  some  ages  after  the  waters 
of  the  valley  forced  themselves  through  the  "  Narrows,"  that 
all  the  region  of  country  lying  on  the  borders  of  Roaring 
Brook,  above  the  mills  of  the  "  Hartford  Manufacturing 
Company,"  formed  a  lake  of  very  considerable  magnitude. 
The  narrowness  of  the  gorge  through  which  the  w'aters  now 
flow,  the  comparative  freshness  of  the  rocks  jutting  from  its 
precipitous  banks,  and  the  appearance  of  the  country  above, 
give  this  opinion  an  air  of  probability  which  can  not  well  be 
resisted  or  set  aside.  The  only  remaining  peculiarities  of  soil, 
are  a  circular  area  of  considerable  extent  at  Nipsic,  compri- 
sing a  level  portion  of  country,  or  elevated  plain,  high  above 
the  adjacent  plains  on  the  west,  yet  exceedingly  fertile;  and 
an  elevated  plateau,  or  region  of  table  land,  east  of  Roaring 
Brook  and  Sparksville.  These,  together  with  the  precipitous 
Kongscut,  the  rugged  Minnechaug,  and  other  mountains  of 
lesser  note,  complete  the  outline  of  the  landscape. 

Indian  History  and  Sale. 

When  the  whites  first  landed  in  this  country,  the  whole  of 
New  England,  and  much  of  the  adjacent  territory,  was  occu- 
pied by  a  race  of  Indians  since  known  as  the  Algonquin 

*Per.  Geo.  Rep.  218-235,  445-449. 


10 

Lenape,  or  manly  men  of  the  Algonquin  mountains.*  This 
nation,  identified  by  sameness  of  language,  included  the 
Knisteneaux,  the  Chippeways  or  Ogibbewahs,  the  Algon- 
quins,  the  Micmacs,  Etchemins  or  Passammaquoddies,  the 
Penobscots,  the  Massachusetts,  the  Narragansetts,  me  Mo- 
hegans,  the  Delawares,  the  Long  Islanders,  the  Minsi,  the 
Saukhicans,  the  Souriquois,  the  Miamis,  the  Scoffies,  the 
Mississages,  the  Ottawas,  with  the  Sheshatapoosh,  of  Lab- 
rador.! The  Indians  living  on  the  river  which  forms  our 
western  border,  were  called  Quinitikoock,^  or  Qunihtituk- 
QUT§  Indians,  signifying  those  who  lived  on  the  Great,  or 
Long-river,  the  latter  being  the  common  interpretation, 
the  former  the  usage  of  the  Indians  in  this  vicinity.  1|  On 
the  east  were  tribes,  families,  or  clans  called  Nipmucks, 
signifying  simply  Indians  living  aivay  from  the  7'iver.^ 
These  Indians,  with  those  lying  on  the  west,  were  called 
MoHEGANs,  or  the  Wolf-tribe**  Still  west  of  these  was  a 
tribe  of  the  Iroquois  family,  called  Mohawks,  that  is.  Men- 
eaters,  it  being  their  custom  to  eat  the  prisoners  taken  in 


*  Algonquin  is  a  name  applied  to  a  particular  tribe  of  Indians  by  the  French. 
Gal.  21.  Lenape,  is  from  Lenno  and  Nape.  I  suspect  the  English  Alleghany 
is  the  same  as  the  French  Algonquin,  or  at  least  connected  with  it. 

t  Gal.  30.5. 

t  R.  W.  19. 

§  Cotton  in  M.  H.  C,  3d  S.,  II.  225. 

II  Tfee  word  Connecticut  is  generally  translated  Long-river,  and  is  derived 
from  QuiNiH,  long  ;  took,  or  tuk,  water,  and  ut,  ock,  on,  upon,  place  of.  The 
usage  of  the  Indians  in  this  vicinity  however,  seems  to  imply  that  they  sup- 
posed the  first  part  of  the  compound  to  be  Quiniqui,  great,  the  name  by  which 
it  is  described  in  all  our  early  records.  "Great-river,"  therefore,  is  simply  a 
translation  of  the  Indian  word  Connecticut.  The  orthographies  of  this  word 
have  been  various  ;  of  which  the  following  are  examples. 

Roger  Williams,     Qunnihticut,  Key,  22,  117. 

Josiah  Cotton,         Qunnehtukquet,  M.  H.  C,  3  S.,  II.  225. 

Colonial  Records,   Connecticott,  2,  15,  20. 

Callandar,  Qunniticut,  R.  H.  S.,  IV.  74. 

Rec.  E.  Hamp.        Keniticut,  Trumb.  C.  R.,  I.  573. 

H  Nip,  water,  river;   and  uvck,  from,  away  from.     R.  W.  2S,  33. 

**  This  name  was  also  written  Mohicans,  Mahingans,  Gal.  34,  44,  and  by 
Rev.  Dr.  Edwards,  who  spoke  the  language  as  readily  as  his  mother  tongue, 
Muhhekaneew.    Obs.  Lang.  Muh. 


11 

war.*  With  this  tribe  the  Mohegans  were  in  continual  war- 
fare, and  tradition  relates  that  before  the  arrival  of  the  wliites, 
more  than  one  bloody  battle  had  been  fought  with  them  up- 
on these  plains  of  Naubuc,  whereon  we  are  now  assembled. 
East  of  the  Mohegans  came  the  Pequttoog  or  Pequot,  that 
is,  the  Grey-fox  tribe  ;t  with  which  war  was  of  frequent  oc- 
currence, and  whose  leader  or  sachem  at  the  settlement  of 
this  town  was  PekoatiIjJ  also  signifying  Grey-fox. 

The  Indians  on  the  river  were  subdivided  into  numerous 
clans  or  families,  one  of  which  was  wholly  within  the  limits 
of  Glastenbury,  and  several  others  were  upon  its  borders,  of 
which  the  following  particulars  have  been  gleaned. 

1.  Nayaug,  pronounced  by  the  Indians  probably  Nau- 
YAUG.  This  clan  lived  in  Glastenbury,  making  their  head- 
quarters and  principal  residence  at  the  place  now  bearing 
their  name;  which,  when  compared  with  the  early  records 
and  probable  etymology,  seems  to  have  been  the  original  of 
Roaring-brook.  As  the  Connecticut  was  the  Great-river, 
so  Nayaug  was  Noisy-water,  or  Roaring-brook.^     This  tribe 


*  From  MOHO,  to  eat,  R.  W.  36  ;  properly,  Mohowaug. 

t  Pequawus,  Grey-fox,  R.  W.  95  and  19. 

I  Delbrest  supposes  this  name  to  be  a  mistake  for  Wopisvvoot,  written  by 
the  Dutch,  Wapequart,  p.  67,  but  as  he  has  no  acquaintance  with  the  Indian 
language,  his  opinion  can  decide  no  question  of  Indian  philology.  The  name 
of  WopiGwooT,  and  his  father,  Woipeguana,  as  given  by  Uncas  in  1679,  are 
evidently  from  the  same  root.  The  Woi,  seems  to  be  an  Indian  prefix,  an- 
swering to  the  English  article  the,  while  Pequana  and  Pigwoot,  are  merely 
orthographic  variations  of  Pequot,  and  hence  the  names  signify  merely  the 
Grey-fox,  that  is,  the  chief  who  bore  the  totem,  of  Grey-fox. 

§  The  etymology  of  this  word  is  something  in  doubt.  "  Roaring-brook"  wa? 
first  called  by  the  whites.  Sturgeon-river,  which  subsequently  gave  place  to 
Nayaug,  or  Roaring-brook.  The  .syllable  Na,  (pron.  naw,)  seems  to  have  been 
associated  with  the  idea  of  MOise,  sounding,  or  roaring,  in  the  Indian  languages 
as  well  as  many  other  tongues,  e.  g. 

Na-nah-sho-nat,  (the  heavy  noise  of  deep)  breathing.    Cot.  8S. 

An-}ioo-yAV,  (the  decisive  tone  of)  commanding.     Cot.  S9. 

A-ha-NU-ouk',  (the  noise  oQ  laughing.     Cot.  p.  93. 

Noo-NU-af ,  (the  noise  made  by)  sucking.     Cot.  97. 

The  Chinese  apply  a  similar  radical  syllable  in  the  same  manner ;  neu, 
(pron.  ndoo,)  to  denote  the  ox,  cow,  because  of  the  noise  of  their  loiving  or  bel- 
lowing. The  Sanscrit  employs  the  root«as,  to  signify  giving  sound,  or  making 
a  noise,  which  is  the  precise  force  of  the  English  noise,  {=ndc:.)     The  Indians 


12 

found,  within  the  natural  amphitheatre  where  the  centre 
of  South  Glastenbury  now  stands,  an  admirable  protection 
against  the  storms  and  tempests  of  winter,  and  with  a  never- 
failing  stream  of  the  purest  water  at  their  feet,  over  which 
neither  heat  nor  cold  could  exert  any  sway,  they  spent  their 
time  in  such  enjoyments  as  the  blankness  of  the  savage  mind 
could  afford.  And  it  was  a  place  of  safety  as  well  as  of 
comfort,  the  promontory  of  "  Red-hill"  furnishing  a  ready 
look-out  and  defense  on  the  river  side,  while  "  Chesnut-hill," 
in  the  opposite  direction,  was  a  good  observatory  towards 
every  quarter.  Here,  in  the  fastnesses  of  that  romantic  glen, 
which  has  now  been  engrossed  for  many  years  by  the  cotton- 
mill,  the  Nayaugs  protected  themselves  from  the  inclemen- 
cies of  the  seasons,  and  the  assaults  of  the  Red  man.  Here, 
too,  these  primitive  sons  of  the  forest,  under  the  shadow  of  a 
projecting  cliff,  fashioned  a  huge  samp-mortar,  in  a  rock  of 
primitive  granite,  from  whence  the  cry  of  Nasaump,*  the  re- 
sounding of  the  pestle,  and  the  roar  of  the  waterfall,  ming- 
ling, formed  the  choral  of  their  domestic  life ;  long  since  sup- 
planted by  the  buzz  of  the  spindle,  and  the  rattle  of  the  loom. 
But  though  the  Indian  is  gone,  the  mortar  is  there,  deep  and 
broad,  wrought  with  the  skill  of  the  workman,  marking  the 
place  of  the  NAVAUGS.f  This  family,  tribe  or  clan,  which 
amounted  to  a  considerable  number,  thirty  years  after  the 
settlement  of  the  town,  has  hitherto  been  without  a  place  in 
our  Indian  histories,  simply,  because  they  ever  dwelt  in 
peace  and  quietness  with  the  whites,  no  instance  having  been 
found  of  the  slightest  hostilities  between  them,  though  the 
remnant  of  the  tribe  disappeared  within  the  present  century. 
The  nearest  approach  to  hostilities  that  has  come  to  our 
knowledge,  is  furnished  by  the  following  tradition  in  regard 


called  the  horse,  Nay-nay-ou-we-mot,  Cotton  says,  p.  4,  because  of  its  being  a 
beast  of  burden.  To  me  it  seems  more  probable  because  of  its  neighing, 
(=nn.y-ing.)  Upon  this  supposition,  Nayaug  signifies -nof'sy  u^aier,  or  Roaring- 
brook. 

*  The  Indian  word  for  samp.     R.  W.  33. 

t  This  mortar,  about  two  feet  in  diameter,  and  two  and  a  half  in  depth,  is 
now  covered  by  the  waters  of  the  lower  pond  of  the  Hartford  Manufacturing 
Company.  , 


13 

to  John  Hollister,  which  has  been  supplied  by  a  member  of 
'  the  family  abroad.  While  IVIi-.  Hollister  resided  on  the  west 
side  of  the  river,  he  was  accustomed  to  come  over  and  culti- 
vate his  land  at  Naijang;  unprotected  by  company.  On  one 
occasion,  a  huge,  stalwart  Indian,  claiming  to  be  the  most 
athletic  and  powerful  man  of  the  tribe,  appeared  before  him, 
saying  that  he  had  been  told  that  Mr.  H.  was  the  stoutest 
pale-face  in  the  settlement,  and  proposing  a  trial  of  strength 
in  a  fight.  Mr.  H.  assented,  and  at  it  they  went.  After  en- 
gaging in  combat  until  both  were  well  nigh  exhausted,  they 
agreed  upon  a  truce,  and  sitting  down  on  a  log,  rested  them- 
selves. Having  recovered  breath  and  strength  they  fought 
again,  and  again  rested,  fighting  and  resting  until  sun-down, 
when  neither  having  conquered,  they  exchanged  tokens  of 
friendship,  and  ever  after  lived  in  peace.  Now  when  it  is 
recollected,  that  all  this  was  long  before  the  settlement  of 
Pennsylvania,  by  William  Penn,  in  1681,  and  that  all  that  he 
gained  of  peace  and  quiet  by  his  upright  treatment  of  the  In- 
dians, had  been  secured  by  our  fathers  a  whole  generation 
before  his  time,  it  justly  entitles  them  to  a  share  in  the  praises 
which  have  been  so  abundantly  showered  upon  him. 

2.  WoNGGUNKS.  The  WoNGGUM  Indians,  who  are  known 
as  WoNGGUNKS,  wcrc  those  who  lived  at  the  bend  of  the  river, 
as  the  name  imports,*  partly  in  Glastenbury,  but  principally 
in  Portland;  the  one  name  signifying  the  people,  (Wong- 
gunks,)  the  other  the  place  (Wonggum)  of  their  dwelling. 
The  name  of  this  tribe  is  preserved  in  the  name  of  Wong'g-um 
meadoivs,  and  Wonggum  brook,  which  reaches  the  river  by 
passing  through  the  same. 

3.  HoccANUM.  The  Hoccanum  Indians  lived,  as  their 
name  imports,  at  the  fishing-ground,^  which  occurs  at  the 
northern  part  of  the  town.  In  other  places  the  same  word 
was  turned  into  Higganum;  especially  when  other  syllables 
were  added,  as  in  Higganumpus.  This  tribe,  or  some  one  un- 
known, was  accustomed  to  resort  to  the  "  Old  Pan,"  in  the 

*  VVoNKUN,  to  bend.     Cot.  39. 

t  UuHKE,  or  Ohke,  and  Namus,  R.  W.  89,  102.  Cot.  9,  10.  This  name  is 
common  on  this  river,  occurring  in  Easthampton,  Mass.  and  at  Haddam,  in 
the  form  of  Higganu.m. 


14 

north  part  of  the  town,  and  traces  of  their  fires  and  burials 
long  remained. 

4.  Pyquag.  The  residence  of  the  Indians  at  Wethersfield, 
bore  the  name  of  Pyquag,  the  meaning  of  which  is  not  cer- 
tainly known,  but  which  seems  to  have  denoted  a  place 
where  the  Indians  celebrated  their  public  games,  and  may 
therefore  be  rendered  dancing-place  :*  an  inference  sustained 
by  some  of  the  ancient  traditions,  and  strongly  favored  by 
the  peculiar  make  of  the  high  meadows.  These  Indians  oc- 
cupied Wethersfield  and  Rocky  Hill. 

5.  Mattabesick,  or  Mattabesetts.  Below  the  Pyquags 
dwelt  the  Mattabesetts,  or  Black-Hill  Indians,!  whose  sa- 
chem bore  rule  over  the  Indians  of  Wethersfield  and  Glasten- 
bury,  and  of  whom  the  settlers  made  their  first  purchase.  The 
name  by  which  this  chief  is  first  known  in  history,  is,  Sow- 
HEAG,  or  Sauheak  ;  but  this  was  properly  the  name  of  the  sa- 
chemdom, and  not  of  the  man,  and  signifies  South  country,  or 
kingdom.^  The  proper  name  of  this  chief  seems  to  have  been 
Sequasson,  sometimes  lengthened  into  Sunckquasson,  and  at 
other  times  shortened  to  Sequin,  or  Sequeen,§  if  that  be  not  a 
modification  of  Sachem.  The  significance  of  the  name  Se- 
quasson appears  to  be  Hard-stone,  as  that  of  Suncquasson  is 
Cold-stone.\[  Turning  the  word  Sachem  into  its  correspond- 
ing English  meaning,  king  or  lord,  and  the  meaning  of  this 
chieftain's  full  title,  Sequasson-Sequin-Sowhag,  will  be  Hard- 
stone,  King-of-the-  South-  Country.  His  son  and  successor  bore 
the  presuming  title  of  MANiTTOWESE,or  Mantowese,  signify- 
ing Little-god,  whose  totefii,  a  large  bow  in  readiness  for 
shooting,  spoke  forth  the  daring  indicated  by  the  name.^ 

*  This  name  is  one  of  frequent  occurrence.  There  was  one  near  Hadley, 
called  Paquayyag,  (C.  R.  II.  353,)  and  another  near  Hudson,  called  Paquayag, 
and  Paquiag.  C.  R.  II.  472.  Pauochauog,  they  are  playing,  or  dancing.  R. 
W.145. 

f  Roger  Williams  writes  the  word  Metewemesick,  and  derives  it  from  Me- 
TEwis,  black  earth. 

J  From  Sow,  or  Sau,  South,  and  ake,  land,  country.     Bar.  1. 

^Deforest,  54. 

[\  BiOKKE,  hard,  -avssvN,  stone.  Cot.  24.  Elliot  10.  Sunkquasson,  if  not  a 
modification  of  Seqvassen,  would  be  from  Sonqueu,  cold,  and  hussun,  stone. 
Cot.  7. 

IT  Manit,  god,  and  wese,  little.    R.  W.  45,  109,  111,  Lamb.  46. 


16 

6.  SiccAOG.  Above  tJie  Pyquags,  at  what  is  now  Hart- 
ford, dwelt  the  family  of  the  Siccaog,  at  a  place,  or  on  a 
river  called  Siccanum.  In  the  absence  of  all  history,  it  is  im- 
possible to  say  what  is  the  precise  meaning  of  this  word.  It 
may  be  (1)  that  Siccanum  is  merely  a  dialectic  variation  of 
HiGGANUM,  made  as  Snipsic  was  by  the  Indians,*  from  Nip- 
sic,  a  pond,  and  Sumhuk,  from  Amik,  a  Z^eai^er,  by  prefixing  a 
sibilant  {s,)  or  as  Skunkscut  has  been  made  from  Kongscut, 
by  the  whites,  in  the  same  manner.  Or  (2)  it  may  have 
been  compounded  of  Siokke,  hard,  and  ^amas,  fish,  signify- 
ing simply  hard  fish,  and  probably  clams,  the  name  of  which 
was  SicKissuoG.f  It  may  reasonably  be  conjectured,  there- 
fore, that  the  Siccaog,  were  a  family  or  tribe  that  dealt  in 
SiCKissuoG,  or  clams,  and  that  Siccanum  was  the  place  of 
their  residence.  This  would  seem  to  indicate  that  it  was  a 
place  where  clams  might  be  obtained,  either  because  they 
grew  there,  or  had  been  brought  there,  making  Hartford  then, 
as  now,  prominent  for  its  trade.  Or  (3)  it  may  have  been 
compounded  of  Sequi,  black,  and  ake,  earth,  and  hence  Se- 
Qui-AK  (pron.  Sik-ki-ak,)  would  signify  black-earth,  that  is  rich 
soil.  Which  of  these  is  to  be  preferred  must  be  determined 
by  history  or  tradition,  if  there  is  any  bearing  on  the  point. 

The  other  Indians  of  the  vicinity  were  the  Tunxis  or  Crane 
Indians,  habiting  on  Tunxis  Sepus,  or  Little- Crane-river  ;1^ 
the  PoQuoNNuc  Indians,  or  those  living  at  a  battle-feld,^. the 
PoDUNKS,  living,  as  the  name  seems  to  import,  at  the  place  of 
fire,  or  place  of  burning,^  and  the  Scantics,  who  seem  to  have 
taken  their  name  from  the  low,  watery  country  in  which  they 
lived.^ 

*  Nipsic,  from  nip,  water,  and  sic,  ^7?ace  of,  is  the  name  of  a  place  where  there 
was  formerly  a  pond  in  Glastenbury.  Snipsic  is  the  name  of  a  pond  now  ex- 
isting in  Tolland,  which  furnishes  water  for  the  enterprising  ami  thrifty  village 
ofRockville.  t  R- W.  103. 

t  Taunck,  crane.     R.  W.  S7.     Seteose,  little-river.     R.  W.  89. 

§  PoQUONNuc,  Peconnuc,  Pughquonnuc,  and  Pocatonnuc,  were  Indian 
names  of  places  in  Connecticut,  and  are  all  (unless  it  be  the  last-mentioned) 
evidently  derived  from  Pauqua,  to  destroy,  kill,  slaughter.  R.  W.  IIS,  151. 
They  apparently  denote  slavs.hter  place,  and  probably  in  battle. 

II  PoTAW, /re,  and  UNCK,7)/ace  o/.  R.  W.  4S,  and  hence  Potaunck,  or  Po- 
DUNK,  or  PoTUNK,  as  it  was  sometimes  written.     T.  C.  R.,  II.  336. 

^  SoKE.v,  to  pour  out,  R.  W.  34,  and  Sokenum,  rain,  R.  W.  81,  are  evidently 


16 

The  peaceable  dwelling  of  the  whites  with  the  natives  in 
Glastenbury,  for  so  long  a  period,  led  to  the  preservation  of  a 
very  large  number  of  Indian  names,  most  of  which  are  still 
familiar  to  our  ears.  On  the  south,  situated  partly  in  Chat- 
ham, and  partly  in  Glastenbury,  is  a  mountain  called  in  the 
records,  Mesomersic,  but  colloquially  Somersic,  a  mountain 
abounding  in  rattlesnakes,  from  its  first  discovery  to  the  pres- 
ent day.  These  reptiles  were  so  abundant  at  the  first  settle- 
ment of  the  town,  that  it  was  found  necessary  for  many  years 
to  offer  a  bounty  for  their  destruction,  which  was  generally 
at  "  sixpence  a  tail,"  to  copy  the  language  of  the  record. 
The  Indian  name  of  the  mountain  testifies  to  the  same  pe- 
culiarity, Me-shom-as-seck,  signifying  great  rattlesnake,  or 
abundance  of  rattlesnakes* 

On  the  south  verge  of  the  town,  near  Chatham  and  Col- 
chester lines,  John  Sadler  established  himself  at  a  very 
early  period,  as  the  keeper  of  an  inn  or  ordinary,  on  the  road 
to  MoNHEAG,  or  New  London,  probably  within  the  present 
limits  of  Marlborough.  Here  the  Indians  seem  to  have  re- 
sorted for  many  years,  and  here  a  considerable  body  of  them 
dwelt  for  a  long  time.  Clustering  around  this  valley,  early 
known  as  "  Sadler's  Ordinary  Meadow,"  are  several  hills 
which  have  retained  their  Indian  names,  though  some  of 
them  have  now  become  nearly  obsolete.  In  this  vicinity  is  a 
hill  called  Pahegansic,  or  Pegansic,  evidently  signifying 
Bear-hill,  that  is,  a  place  where  bears  abounded,  though  the 
name  in  the  records,  "bare-hill,"  celebrates  it  for  its  barren- 
ness.^ In  the  same  neighborhood,  is  a  mountain  called  Ma- 
BAUTAUANTUcKsucK,in  a  dccd  of  Thomas  Edwards,  to  his  son- 
in-law,  John  Goodrich,  of  land  given  to  Edwards  previous 
to  1673,  by  Tarramuggus,  an  Indian  chief  residing  at  Weth- 
ersfield.  This  name  seems  to  denote  the  place  of  morning' ; 
that  is,  the  place  where  the  first  appearance  of  morning  could 


the  same  word  from  which  some  of  the  N.  E.  dialects  had  Asquan,  tvater.  So- 
KENTUCK,  or  AsQUANTfTCK,  2}iace  of  water,  might  very  readily  change  to  Skantic. 

*  MiSHOM,  great,  and  sesek  and  assek,  rattlesnake.     R.  W.  S4,  96,  100. 

t  Paukien,  Pekun,  in  Paukitnnaw-ntio,  /  hunt  the  bear  ;  Paukunnawaw,  tht 
sign  of  the  great  bear.    K.  W.  94,  143. 


17 

be  discovered  by  those  who  employed  the  name.*  In  this 
region  also,  occurs  the  hill  called  by  the  Indians,  Amanan- 
TucKsucK,  or  Amonontucksuck,  subsequently  turned  into 
Anontoosuck,  and  again  still  corrupted  into  the  present  Pan- 
ToosucK,  known  in  the  records  as  "  the  Pine  Hill,"  but  sig- 
nifying/j/acc  for  hunting  deer.f  This  hill  extends  nearly  from 
Kongscutt  to  Marlborough.  In  the  same  vicinity  is  the  re- 
gion now  known  as  Wassuc,  first  called  Washiack,  and 
afterwards  Assawassuc,  and  Hassawassuc4  The  original 
name  Washiack,  may  mean  either  place  of  bears,  or  place  of 
paint.  Many  circumstances  seem  to  indicate  that  the  last  is 
the  true  meaning,  and  that  it  was  so  named  because  of 
an  abundance  of  painting  materials  found  there.  In  the 
same  vicinity,  but  near  the  south  bounds  of  the  town,  is  a 
place  called  Seaukum.  This  word  is  something  in  doubt  as 
to  its  etymology,  but  seems  to  be  from  Sauk,  contracted  from 
PussouGH,  or  Sough,  a  wild-cat,  and  hence  denoting  place  of 
wild  cats,  which  are  known  to  have  abounded  in  the  region 
of  dark  hollow.^  A  little  east  of  the  centre  of  the  town,  is  a 
mountain  range,  bearing,  in  the  colloquial  language  of  the 
people  at  present,  the  barbarous  name  of  Skunkscut,  to  which 
allusion  has  already  been  made.  In  all  the  early  records  it 
is  called  Kongscut,  and  was  no  doubt  derived  from  Honck- 
siT,  signifying  g'oose  country.^  Its  high  and  precipitous 
ledges  afforded  a  secure  retreat  for  wild  geese  in  summer, 
while  the  clear  and  limpid  waters  of  Diamond  Pond,  lying 


*  Mataubon,  by  transposition  and  lengthening  the  vowels  Mabautauan, 
morning,  with  the  terminations  tuck  and  suck.     K,.  W.  67.     G.  L.  R.  II.  19S. 

t  AuNAM,  a  fawn,  deer.     R.  W.  143.     G.  L.  R.  IV.  95,  242. 

X  In  some  of  the  N.  E.  dialects,  Wassoos  signified  bear.  Morse's  Rep.  Ind. 
52.  The  Conn.  Indians  did  not  use  this  word  for  bear,  yet  called  bear's  meat, 
Weeyous,  Wvssvck,  painted.  R.  W.  154.  Assawassuck  seems  to  have  been 
compounded  of  Asuhwetii,  offtcr  house.  Cot.  20,  and  Wassuc.  Sadler's  Ordin- 
ary, was  the  first  house  in  that  neighborhood.  Mr.  Josiah  Willard's  seems  to 
have  been  the  second,  and  it  was  to  this,  that  the  term  was  at  first  applied.  G. 
L.  R.  II.  19S. 

§  R.  W.  95,  gives  Pussough  as  the  name  for  wild-cat,  but  that  it  was  also 
abridged  into  Souk,  we  have  evidence  in  Soucook,  which  signifies  place  of 
wild-cats.     C.  E.  Potter,  MS.  Lect.  1S52. 

II  HoNCK,  goose,  ausit,  or  sit,  place  of,  country.     R.  W.  S6,  87. 

2 


18 

just  beyond,  furnished  the  necessary  means  of  their  recreation 
and  comfort. 

In  the  north-eastern  part  of  the  town,  rises  the  bold  and 
rugged  MiNNECHAUG,  whose  productions  still  prove  its  title 
to  the  name  of  berry-land*  as  the  Indian  name  imported. 
Nearly  in  the  centre  of  the  town  lies  the  elevated  plateau  of 
Nipsic,  so  called  from  a  pond  bearing  that  name,  and  signi- 
fying place  of  water.-f  The  pond  itself,  however,  has  disap- 
peared before  the  enterprise  of  the  farmers  there,  whose  far 
reaching  vision,  catching  a  glimpse  of  its  rich  bottoms,  found 
means  of  draining  it,  and  have  thus  obtained  some  of  the 
most  valuable  land  in  town.  But  though  the  pond  is  gone, 
"  Nipsic  Pool,"  whose  ferruginous  waters  have  given  it  at 
times  the  name  of  "  Red  Spring,"  still  remains ;  a  clear,  cool, 
bubbling  fountain,  whose  waters  have  wrought  some  impor- 
tant cures.  Another  important  portion  of  country,  yet 
known  by  its  Indian  name,  is  the  broad  plain  extending  from 
Roaring  Brook  to  Hartford  line,  still  known  as  Naubuc. 
Various  etymologies  of  this  word  suggest  themselves.  If 
derived  from  Neepuck,  hlood,\  it  perpetuates  the  memory  of 
the  blood  that  had  been  shed  there,  in  the  battles  with  the 
Mohawks.  Or  the  name  may  have  been  compounded  of 
two  words,  Anue-Pakhe,  signifying  more  clear,  or  opeti,  in 
allusion  to  the  plain  and  level  aspect  of  the  country,  and 
would  then  merely  denote  the  plai7is;  hence  might  come 
both  Naubuc  and  Hanabuc,§  names  used  interchangeably. 
But  there  is  still  another  origin  which  seems  to  me  more 
probable  than  either.  There  is  no  evidence  that  the  word 
was  used  when  the  whites  came  here,  and  it  does  not  ap- 
pear in  the  records  until  some  time  subsequent,  when  it  is 
used  to  describe  land  on  the  east  side  of  the  "  Great-river." 
The  term,  the  east  side,  being  so  often  employed  by  the  Eng- 
lish, the  Indian  may  have  joined  his   Nop,  east,  and  uc,|| 

*  MiNNE,  berry,  uk  or  awk,  plare  of,  from  ake,  land. 
■(•  See  note,  p.  15. 
JR.  W.  158. 
§Cot.  21,  97,  10.3. 

II  Nop-atin,  eas<-wind.  R.  "VV.  S3.  The  Massachusetts  Indians  called  the 
islands  east  of  them  Nope,  apparently  signifying  simply  the  east.     Cot.  122. 


19 

locality,  place,  side,  and  made  Nopuc,  or  Naubuc,  signifying 
the  east  side. 

Another  place,  the  extent  of  which  is  not  known,  was  in 
the  eastern  part  of  the  town,  adjoining  Hebron,  and  bore  the 
name  of  Sechenayaug.  The  identity  of  the  name  Nay- 
AUG,  with  that  of  the  stream  bearing  this  name,  takeq  in  con- 
nection Avith  the  fact  that  some  of  the  branches  of  the  Nay- 
AUG  or  Roaring-  Brook,  rise  in  this  vicinity,  might  lead  to  the 
natm-al  inference  that  it  signifies  the  head  or  beginning  of 
Roaring-  Brook.  But  there  is  another,  and  we  are  not  sure 
but  a  preferable  interpretation.  The  first  part  of  this  com- 
pound, Seken  or  Sequen,  signifies  ivoler  or  rain.  If,  then, 
Nayaug  denotes  roaring,  the  inference  is  obvious  and  just, 
that  Sechenayaug,  must  be  the  place  of  rains-roaring,  in 
allusion,  as  it  would  seem,  to  the  fact  that  the  rSin  there  pro- 
duced an  unusual  and  remarkable  degree  of  noise.* 

Purchase  of  Eastbury. 

The  first  purchase  of  Glastenbury,  as  we  have  already 
seen,  was  made  of  Hardstone,  king  of  the  south  country.  The 
second  purchase,  made  in  1673,  was  made  of  seven  Indians, 
for  themselves  and  their  respective  families  or  tribes,  as  ap- 
pears by  the  following  deed. 

This  writting  witnessetli  that  we  Tarramuggus,  Massacuppee  "Wesumpshyc 
One  peny  Nesaheeg  Seorcket  and  Pewampskin  for  and  in  consideration  of  a 
valuable  sum  to  us  in  hand  well  and  truly  paid  or  secured  to  be  paid  by 
Lieut.  John  Chester  Mr  Sam^'  Talcot  Mr  James  Treat  Sargt.  John  Nott 
and  Hugh  Welles  of  Wethersfield  in  the  County  of  Hartford  who  were 
chosen  by  the  Town  to  purchase  a  tract  of  land  on  the  east  side  of  the  great 
River,  the  receipt  thereof  Is  hereby  accknowledged  by  us  the  said  Tarramug- 
gus Masecuppe  Wesumpshye  One  peny  Ncsaheege  Seorcket  and  Pewamp- 
skin and  themselves  therewith  fuly  sattisfied  contented  and  paid  and  thereof 
and  of  every  part  and  parcell  thereof  doe  hereby  fully  clearly  and  absolutely 
aquit  and  discharge  the  said  comltty  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Weth- 
ersfield their  heirs  executors  and  Administrators  and  every  of  them  for  ever 
by  these  presents  and  for  divers  other  valuable  good  causes  and  considera- 
tions us  the  said  Tarramuggus  Massecuppe  Wesumpshye  One  peny  Nesa- 

*  Cot.  91.      R.  W.  .34,  81.      G.  L.  R.  III.  54,  55 ;  IV.  232,  234 ;  V.  2S2. 


20 

heeg   Seockett   and  Pewamj^skin  hereunto  especially   moving  have  given 
granted  bargained  sold  assigned  set  over  and  confirmed  and  doe  by  these 
presents  for  ourselves  our  sucksessors  fully  clearly  and  absolutely  give  grant 
bargain  sell  assign  sett  over  and  confirm  unto  the  said  comitye  of  Wethers- 
feild  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  plantation  their  heirs  executors 
and  administrators  and  assigns  for  ever  all  the  estate  right  title  interest  use 
property  claime  and  demand  whatsoever  we  the  said  Tarramuggus  Massa- 
cuppee  Wesumpshye  One  peny  Nesaheeg  Seockett  and  Pewampskin  have 
had  or  in  time  to  come  might  ought  or  should  have  in,or  to  one  tract  of  land 
containing  thirty  large  miles  square  that  is  to  say  from  the  east  end  of  Weth- 
ersfeild  old  bounds  to  run  five  large  miles  into  the  contry  east  and  six  large 
miles  in  breadth  the  said  tract  of  land  is  scituat  lyeing  and  being  on  the  east 
side  of  conticot  Kiver  bounded  withe  the  said  Wethersfeild  lands  west  and 
the  desert  east  the  side  against  some  part  of  Midletown  bounds  South  and 
lands  not  yett  granted  and  Hartford  bounds  North  to  have  and  to  hold  the 
thirty  square  large  miles  as  aforesaid  with  all  the  proffitts  privileges  and  apur- 
tenances  to  the  same  belonging  unto  the  said  comitty  in  the  behalf  of  the  in- 
habitants of  Wethersfeild  and  to  their  heirs  and  sucksessors  for  ever  and  to 
the  only  proper  use  and  behoof  of  the  inhabitants  of  Wethersfeild  their  heirs 
and  sucksessors  for  ever  and  the  said  Tarr*[amuggus]  [Mas]secuppee  We- 
sumpshye One  peny  Nesaheeg  Seockett  and  [Pewampskin]  for  ourselves  our 
heirs  and  sucksessors  and  [evry  of  them]  doe  covenant  promiss  and  grant 
to  [and  with  the  said]  comitty  in  the  behalf  of  the  inhabitants  of  Wethers- 
field  their  heirs  and  sucksessors  and  to  and  with  every  of  them  by  these 
presents  in  manner  and  form  as  followeth  that  is  to  say  that  the  said  Tarra- 
muggus Massacuppe  Wesumpshye  One  peny  Nesaheege  Seockett  and  Pe- 
wampskin are  sceized  of  a  good  estate  in  fee  simple  in  the  premisses  and  that 
they  have  full  power  good  right  and  lawful!  authority  to  give  grant  bargain 
sell  and  confirm  all  the  above  bargained  premisses  and  every  part  and  par- 
cell  thereof  unto  the  inhabitants  of  Wethersfeild  their  heirs  and  sucksessors 
for  ever  without  any  condition  limitation  use  or  other  thing  to  alter  change  or 
make  void  the  same  and  that  the  said  comitty  and  the  Inhabitants  of  Wethers- 
field  their  heirs  and  sucksessors  shall  and  may  on  the  day  of  the  date  hereof 
and  from  time  to  time  forever  hereafter  by  force  of  these  presents  have  hold 
use  occupy  possess  and  enjoye  all  the  above  bargained  premises  and  every 
part  and  parcell  thereunto  there  own  proper  use  and  behoof  forever  without 
the  lett  sute  trouble  molestation  eviction  ejection  or  denial  of  the  said  Tarra- 
muggus Massecuppee  Wessumpshy  One  peny  Nesaheeg  Seockett  and  Pe- 
wampskin or  any  other  person  or  persons  whatsoever  by  their  or  any  of 
there  act  meanes  default  consent  or  procurement  and  against  them  the  said 
Tarramuggus  Wesumpshy  Massacuppe  One  peny  Nesaheeg  Seocket  and  Pe- 


*  The  words  and  parts  of  words  contained  in  brackets  are  wanting  in  the 
"Wethersfield  copy,  a  part  of  the  leaf  being  gone.  It  is  supplied  from  the  Hart- 
ford cony.     T.  &  L.  I.  132. 


21 

warapskin  our  heirs  and  all  and  every  other  person  and  persons  whatsoever 
Lawfully  claiming  any  estate  llight  title  interest  use  property  jxjssession 
claime  or  demand  of  in  or  to  the  same  or  any  part  or  parcell  thereof  from  by 
or  under  them  or  any  of  them  shall  and  will  warrant  and  forever  defend  by 
these  presents  in  witnesse  whereof  the  said  Tarramuggus  Massecuppe  We- 
sumpshy  One  peny  Nesaheeg,  Seocket  and  Pewampskin  have  hereunto  sett 
our  hands  and  seals  tliis  tenneth  day  of  October  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one 
thousand  six  hundred  seventy  and  three 

Signed  sealed  and  delivered  in  the  presents  of  these  wittnesses 

John  Talcott  Sarah   Sasakenams 


Daniell  Clarke 

Tarramuggus 

his  mark 

Richard  Ely 

Masecup 

his  mark 

hanah  I  one  peny 

Wesumpshye 

his  mark 

Wasanuniuu 

his  mark 

One  peny 

his  mark 

Joseph 

his  mark 

Nesaheeg 

his  mark 

Sarah 

won  peny 

Seockett 

his  mark 

Pewampskin 

his  mark 

Wethersfield,  April  13th,  1853. 

The  above  and  foregoing  is  a  true  copy  from  the  records  of  this  town,  Vol. 
in.,  pages  61  and  62.  ALBERT  GALPIN,  Town  Clerk. 

The  names  of  the  signers  of  this  deed,  are  first,  Tarra- 
muggus, which,  according  to  the  interpretation  given  to  Dr. 
Barratt,  by  an  Indian,  signifies  bear-catcher*  The  second 
signer  is  Massecuppe,  which  may  denote  that  he  was  a  man 
oi  great  height  and  size,  or,  of  great  fierceness.^  The  third 
signer,  Wesumpshye,  seems  to  have  been  a  great  eater. % 
The  name  written  "  One  peny,"  should,  no  doubt,  have  been 
WuMPENE,  signifying  belt  of  wampum.  And  the  same  may 
be  said  of  the  two  witnesses  bearing  this  name.§  The  fifth 
signer,  Nesaheeg,  seems  to  be  the  same  as  Nessahegan, 
spoken  of  in  another  place,  and  signifying  an  instrument  of 
death.     Seockett,  the  sixth  signer,   is  evidently  from  the 


*  Tahqui,  fo  cafc/i.    Cot.  42.    M'quoh,  a  6ear.    Gal.  341. 

t  Massa,  great,  and  cuppi,  thick,  or  chep,  a  root  signifying  to  be  fierce,  as  in 
CHACHEPj^erce,  chepe-wessin,  7iori/i  wind,  chepewess,  a  northern  storm  of  tear. 
R.  W.  83,  75, 133. 

X  WussuMUPPWONK,  gluttony.  Cot.  17,  by  dropping  the  ending  onk,  and  sub- 
stituting esu,  denoting  man,  becomes  Wussumpesu,  or  Wesumpshye. 

§  WoMPAJi,  white  money.  R.  W.  130.  Names  similar  to  this  w^ere  common 
among  the  Indians  of  Conn.,  the  totem  of  which  is  uniformly  a  belt  of  wampurn. 
See  Hall's  Norwalk,  37.     Lamb.  N.  H.  Col.  153.     Bar.  L  P.  M.  2. 


22 

same  root  as  Seaukum,  and  hence  denotes  xvild-cat.  Pe- 
WAMPSKiN,  the  last  of  the  signers,  was  fair  complexion* 
Wassanuniun,  a  witness,  may,  perhaps,  have  been  painted 
Jish,-f  while  Sasakenamo,  was  evidently  the  idle,  or  the  sloth- 
fuLt 

At  an  earlier  period  Tarramuggus  had  granted  two  hun- 
dred acres  of  land  to  Thomas  Edwards,  to  which  allusion 
has  been  already  made,  and  still  earlier  an  Indian  named 
Rechaun,  had  given  Robert  Boltwood  a  pond  and  a  quanti- 
ty of  land  adjoining.  This  Rechaun,  if  we  may  judge  by 
the  name,  could  not  have  been  a  native  of  this  vicinity, 
scarcely  a  name  of  place  or  person  occurring  in  this  region, 
beginning  with  R.  We  find  many  names,  however,  in  the 
western  part  of  the  State,  and  in  the  parts  of  New  York  ad- 
joining, beginning  with  this  letter.  The  land  given  by  Tar- 
ramuggus to  Thomas  Edwards,  long  bore  the  name  of  the 
giver,  even  so  late  as  1746,  as  we  learn  from  a  vote  of  the 
society  of  Eastbury,  passed  that  year. 

"  Voted,  [a  certain  sum]  to  John  Kimberley  for  his  service  in  going  to  xu- 
kamugus  to  prevent  the  Stone  House  people  fi-om  being  set  off  from  us." 

This  vote  determines  the  locality  beyond  a  reasonable 
doubt. 

Very  little  is  known  of  the  boundaries  of  the  country 
claimed  by  the  various  families  or  tribes  of  Indians.  In 
1666,  an  agreement  was  entered  into  by  the  Indians  in  re- 
spect to  this  point.  On  the  one  part  was  Uncas,  whose 
name  signifies  the  bold.\  On  the  other,  was  Aramamet,  (the 
son  of  Uncas,)  at  that  time  acting  sachem  of  the  Podunks,[| 
whose  name  seems  to  have  indicated  his  character,  if  as  we 
imagine,  it  signified  dog-^s-tong'i/e,^  and  with  him  are  Seau- 


*  Bar.  Ind.  P.  M.  2. 

t  Wussa-Namas. 

J  Cot.  18.     Sasekeneamoonk,  slothfitlness. 

§  UNQTjs-uonk,  bold-ness.  Cot.  S  ;  Onkque,  ci'uel  tyrant.    Cot.  21. 

II  Trumb.  Col.  Rec.  I. 

IT  Aramamet  seems  to  be  compounded  of  Arum,  the  Indian  word  for  dog, 
in  Connecticut,  R.  W.  96,  and  Meenat,  or  Weenat,  a  tooth.  Comp.  Ell.  10,  R. 
W.  59.     The  change  which  this  etymology  supposes  the  word  to  undergo,  is 


23 

KET  whose  name  has  already  been  mentioned  and  explained, 
and  Nessahagen,  whose  cognomen  described  him  as  an  in- 
strument  of  death*  and  QuanaiMpewit,  or  Long--toofh,-\  who 
are  described  as  "  Gentlemen  of  Connecticut." J  The  boun- 
dary line  according  to  this  agi-eement,  began  at  a  place  called 
AsHowAT,  or  the  other  house,^  a  place  lying  south  of 
Glastenbury,  in  what  town  is  uncertain,  but  probably  in 
Chatham.  From  Ashowat  the  line  was  continued  to 
WoNGouNSHOAKE,  which  scems  to  have  been  Washiack,  on 
or  at  the  head  of  Wong^um-brook,  (Wonggum-Washiack=: 
WoNGGUMSHOAK,)  thcncc  to  Washiack,  of  which  we  have 
already  spoken,  and  thence  in  a  northerly  course,  without 
any  prescribed  limit.  But  though  the  Nayaug  Indians  cer- 
tainly, and  the  Wonggunks  probably,  were  included  within 
the  limits  of  Aramamat,  he  was  restrained  from  appropriating 
any  land  to  himself  south  of  the  road  leading  from  Thomas 
Edwards  to  Monheage,  now  New  London,  as  appears  from 
the  following  agreement,  copied  from  the  Colonial  Records. 

"  This  writeing  witnesseth  that  Vncass,  Sachem  of  Moheag,  in  behalfe  of 
himselfe  and  people  of  Moheag  and  Nahantick,  doe  hereby  engage  him  and 
them  to  Aramamatt,  Seacut  &  Nessaheagen,  Gentn  of  Conecticut,  in  behalfe 
of  the  Indian  people  at  Windsor,  Podunk  and  Hartford,  that  they  will  carry 
it  peaceably  &  neighbourly  towards  them  and  the  aforesaid  Indians  and  that 
they  will  not  either  secretly  or  publiquely  contriue  or  practice  any  evil  or 
mischiefe  against  y^.  And  the  aforesaid  Aramamat  etc.  engage  that  they 
&  the  aforesaid  Indians  on  the  Riuer  will  carry  it  peaceably  towards  ye  afore- 
said Sachem  and  his  people  and  that  they  will  neither  plot  nor  practice  any 
evil  against  the  said  Vncass  or  his  people.  And  whereas  there  is  a  difference 
about  the  bounds  of  Lands  and  Royalties  belonging  to  y^  said  Sachem  and 
Aramamat,  It  is  agreed  between  them  that  the  devideing  bounds  shalbe  at 
Ashowat  to  Wonggunshoake  and  soe  to  Washiack  and  from  thence  northerly, 
from  wcii  bounds  the  Land  and  Royalties  on  the  east  shalbe  and  remain  to 
Vncass  and  his  heires,  and  from  y^  said  bounds  on  ye  west  to  Conecticut 
Riuer  shalbe  to  Aramamat  and  his  heires ;  &  this  our  agreem*,  and  that  we 


precisely  like  that  in  the  Indian  word  Wuttammagon,  a  pipe,  fiom  Wutton 
mouth,  and  egun,  or  eaoun,  thing,  instrument,  machine,  etc. 

*From  NissiH,  killing,  and  eagun,  instrument.  R.  W.  115,  122,  and  see 
Schoolcraft's  Miss.  App.  200. 

f  QuNiH,  long,  and  weepit,  or  meepit,  tooth.     See  Ell,  10,  li,  W,  59. 

X  Col.  Rec.  II. 

§  AsuHWETii,  another  house.    Cot.  20, 


24 

oblige  ourselues  &  0^^  heires  to  stand  to  ye  same,  •wee  testify  by  subscribing 
or  marks. 

It  is  agreed  that  Aramamat  shal  not  Vncass  X  his  mark 

imprpriate  vuto  himself  any  of  y^  Land  Aramamat  X  his  mark 

yt  is  on  the  south  of  ye  path  that  goes  Seacut  X  his  mark 

from  Thomas  Edwards  to  Monheage.  Nesahegen  X  his  mark 

Quanampewet  X  his  m^k 

This  writinge  aboue  was  signed  and  d'd  in  presence  of  vs  who  were  ap- 
pointed by  the  Genii  Assembly  to  hear  and  indeauor  the  said  Indians  com- 
pliance, wtii  ye  ful  and  free  consent  of  both  parties 

John  Allyn,  Recorded  out  ye  Originall, 

Willm  Wadsworth  this  Aug^t  3<i,  66. 

Tho:  Stanton  ^  pr  Daniel  Clark,  SeCy.* 

Agreement. 

Whether  the  Nayaugs  ever  owed  any  actual  subjection  to 
the  PoDUNKs,  is  uncertain,  for  though  seemingly  included 
within  their  limits  in  1666,  in  1675  they  were  certainly  inde- 
pendent, and  entering  into  a  league  with  the  Wonggunks, 
made  choice  of  Owaneco,  another  son  of  Uncas,  as  their 
chief,!  whose  name  and  totem,  both  signify  goose.'^  The 
combined  forces  of  these  two  tribes  received  authority  from 
the  colonial  legislature  in  November,  1675,  to  erect  a  fort  at 
WoNGGUM  or  Nayaug,  as  they  might  think  best,  and  which 
was  subsequently  erected  on  the  banks  of  the  river  at  Red- 
hill,  nearly  west  of  the  place  now  occupied  by  Col.  Elijah 
Miller,  the  land  having  been  given  by  Lieut.  HoUister,  for 
that  purpose.§  In  October  previous,  the  house  of  Mr.  John 
Hollister,  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  had  been  fortified,  and 
the  Indians  and  the  whites  were  laboring  side  by  side  to  se- 
cure their  corn,  in  order  to  convey  it  to  some  place  of  safety, 
where  it  might  be  secure  against  an  expected  invasion.]) 

The  relation  of  the  whites  and  Indians  on  the  west  side 


*T.  C.  R.  II.  41,42. 

t  C.  R.  II.  379. 

\  HoNCK,  softened  by  the  insertion  of  vowels,  becomes  Oh-won-ek-ko. 
Another  son  of  Uncas  was  Wequashcuck,  or  Wequash,  which  signifies  «?t;a«.. 
R.  W.  86. 

§C   R.  II.  379,411. 

II  C  R.  II.  374,  375. 


25 

of  the  river  was  generally  peaceful,  as  well  as  on  the  east, 
but  on  April  23d,  1637,  Nepaupuck,  or  Messatunck,  a  Pe- 
quot  captain,  with  a  body  of  warriors,  surprised  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Wethersfield,  killed  nine  and  took  two  prisoners. 
Of  the  persons  killed,  Abraham  and  John  Finch  are  the  only 
ones  that  are  known.  The  captives  were  little  girls,  (one  a 
daughter  of  William  Swaine),  who  were  carried  to  Mystic, 
but  redeemed  through  the  instrumentality  of  the  Dutch  at 
New  York.  Nepaupuck  was  arrested  the  following  October, 
tried  at  New  Haven,  found  guilty  and  executed.* 

Settlement  by  the  Whites. 

Wethersfield,  including  a  strip  of  land  extending  three 
miles  east  from  the  great  river,  and  stretching  six  large  miles 
on  the  bank  of  the  same,  is  the  oldest  town  in  the  State,  its 
first  settlement  having  been  commenced  in  1634.f  And  that 
the  portion  of  land  lying  upon  the  east  side  of  the  river,  then 
included  within  the  limits  of  this  town,  was  the  first  tract  reg- 
ularly surveyed  and  laid  out  in  farms. ^  And  it  may  not  be 
amiss  to  observe,  that  while  Glastenbury,  as  part  of  Weth- 
ersfield, is  the  oldest  town  in  the  State,  and  was  the  first  tract 
regularly  surveyed  and  laid  out,  it  was  also  the  first  town  in 
Connecticut  made  by  dividing  another  town.§  The  first  set- 
tlers of  Wethersfield  came  into  the  Connecticut  valley  from 
Massachusetts,  having  been  resident  for  a  time  at  Watertown, 
in  that  colony,  which  name  they  gave  to  their  own  new 
plantation.  Other  settlements  having  been  made  at  Hart- 
ford and  Windsor,  the  inhabitants  associated  themselves  to- 
gether, and  held  their  first  General  Court  in  April,  1636.  At 
this  time,  the  dismission  given  by  the  church  in  Watertown 
to  the  new  settlers,  was  formally  accepted  and  ratified.  In 
the  February   following,  the    name  of  the  settlement  was 


*Trumb.  H.  C.  I.  77.     Good,  F.   G.  xxi.— iii.     Bac.  His.  Dis.   339-341. 
t  Col.  Rec,  I.  513.     Trumb.  Conn.,  I.  59. 

J  Deposition   of  Eleazer  Kimberly,  1634.     Secretary  of  State  Irom  1696  to 
1709.     P.  C.  III.  120. 

§  Bradley's  Reg.  1847,  p.  S3. 


26 

changed  into  Wethersjield,  though  the  entry  in  the  Colonial 
Records  makes  it  Wythersfield. 

Why  the  name  of  Wethersfield  should  have  been  chosen 
does  not  appear  of  record,  and  we  are  not  aware  of  any  tradi- 
tion that  can  give  a  clue  to  the  reason  for  it.  When,  how- 
ever, we  compare  the  names  that  have  been  conspicuous  in 
and  around  the  town  of  Wethersfield,  in  the  county  of  Essex, 
in  England,  and  those  prominent  in  Wethersfield,  in  Con- 
necticut, as  Hale,  Swayne,  Rayner,  Welles,  Boreham,  [Board- 
man,]  Baker,  Plumb,  Clark,  Allen,  Neville,  Smith,  Lattimore, 
and  the  like,  the  presumption  is  exceedingly  strong,  that  the 
settlers  of  the  latter  intended  to  perpetuate  the  memory  of 
the  former,  even  if  they  were  not  themselves  from  that  re- 
gion.* The  name  is  pure  Anglo-Saxon,  composed  of  Weth- 
er, a  ram^  a  wether^  and  feld,  a  field.  The  town  was  in 
the  county  of  Essex,  the  Hundred  of  Hinckford,  and  seems 
to  have  been  originally  a  place  celebrated  for  raising  sheep. 

Thouarh  the  first  settlers  of  Wethersfield  were  men  of  in- 
telligence  and  piety,  entertaining  large  views  of  liberty,  they 
seem  to  have  met  with  considerable  difficulty  in  reducing 
them  to  harmonious  practice.  The  vague  and  indistinct  no- 
tions of  democratic  freedom  which  pervaded  the  community, 
rendered  it  exceedingly  difficult  so  to  adjust  all  matters  of  pub- 
lic and  private  interest,  as  to  prevent  occasional  collision  be- 
tween individuals  and  communities.  If,  however,  these  cre- 
ated some  discord,  and  introduced  occasional  strife,  it  was 
providentially  overruled  to  the  enlargement  of  their  borders, 
and  the  increase  of  the  State.  A  few  events  of  this  nature, 
having  a  bearing  upon  the  future  condition  of  the  people  on 


*  Among  the  Burgesses  in  Parliament  from  the  Borough  of  Maiden,  in  the 
vicinity  of  Wetliersfield,  we  find  : 

47  &  51,  Edward  III.   10  Rich.  II.   Henry  Hale. 

13,  Richard  II.     John  Welles. 

27,  Henry  VI.     John- Swayne. 

1,  Mary.     John  llayner. 

See  History  and  Antiquities  of  the  County  of  Essex,  by  Philip  Mornant,  M. 
A.,  Rector  of  St.  Mary's,  Colchester,  2  vols,  folio.  London,  17GS.  I.  Int.  xv 
p.  51,  138,  370-375.  etc.  etc. 


27 

the  east  side  of  the  river,   require  to  be  noticed  in  this  con- 
nection. 

Of  the  members  of  the  church  in  Watertown,  Mass.,  who 
came  to  Wethcrsfield,  only  six  were  dismissed,  to  which 
number  only  one  was  added  in  the  next  six  years.*  During 
this  interval  they  received  the  ministerial  labors  of  Rev.  Pe- 
ter Prudden,  Rev.  Richard  Denton,  and  occasionally  of 
Rev.  John  Sherman.  They  seem,  however,  never  to  have 
properly  reorganized  their  church,  or  called  any  minister  to 
settle  among  tliem  ;  perhaps  because  they  had  generally  two 
or  three  residing  with  them.  This  irregular  mode  of  proceed- 
ing led  to  subsequent  differences  and  contentions,  producing 
in  the  end,  a  grievous  schism  among  the  planters.  The  min- 
isters and  elders  of  Hartford  and  Windsor,  labored  in  vain  to 
restore  harmony.  In  1639,  the  advice  of  Rev.  Mr  .Davenport, 
of  New  Haven,  was  sought,  who,  finding  reconciliation  un- 
likely, if  not  impossible,  advised  that  one  party  should  re- 
move and  establish  a  new  colony.  The  church  in  Water- 
town  also  sent  a  committee  of  two  persons  to  look  after  their 
members  in  Wethcrsfield,  who  gave  the  same  advice.  But 
here  arose  a  serious  difficulty,  which  party  should  remove  ? 
The  church,  consisting  of  but  seven  members,  was  divided 
four  and  three.  The  four,  being  the  majority  of  the  church, 
claimed  to  represent  the  town  and  church,  though  only  a  mi- 
nority of  the  planters  were  with  them.  The  three  church 
members,  Avith  the  majority  of  the  people,  claimed  the  right 
to  remain,  and  the  others  finally  left  and  commenced  a  colony 
at  Stamford,  in  connection  with  the  colony  of  New  Haven, 
carrying  with  them  the  records  of  the  church,  and  also  of  the 
town,  if  there  were  any,  claiming  them  as  their  right.f  The 
names  of  those  who  left  and  went  to  Stamford,  are  given  in 
a  list  at  1673,  and  their  removal  mentioned.  The  history  of 
Wethcrsfield  from  1635  to  1641,  has,  therefore,  to  be  gathered 
mainly  from  incidental  notices  contained  in  the  Colonial 
Records,  and  elsewhere. 


•  T.  C.  R.  I.  4.     Savage's  Winthrop,  I.  305. 

t  Winthrop,   I.  305.     Trum.  Conn.  I.    120.     The  clerk  at  that  time  is  said  to 
have  been  John  Welles,  son  of  the  Governor. 


28 

Among  the  events  of  this  period,  interesting  to  the  people 
of  Glastenbury,  was  the  final  adjustment  of  the  purchase 
upon  this  side  of  the  river,  by  the  General  Court  in  1636, 
and  the  adjudication  of  the  rights  and  relations  of  Sowheag 
and  the  whites  in  1638.*  Another  circumstance  tending 
to  show  the  difficulties  under  which  the  early  colonists  labor- 
ed in  reducing  their  views  of  freedom  to  practice,  is  furnish- 
ed by  the  case  of  the  first  Recordei'  of  lands  in  this  town. 
This  office  was  created  by  an  Act  of  the  General  Court  in 
1639,  and  Mr.  [Matthew]  Michell  was  chosen  to  fill  the  same. 
Previous  to  this  time  Mr.  M.,  who  had  been  a  member  of 
the  several  Courts  in  May  and  November  of  1637,  and  in 
February,  April  and  May,  1638,  had  given  some  offence  to 
Mr.  [Clement]  Chaplin,  for  which  he  had  been  censured  by 
the  Court.  That  body,  therefore,  refused  to  ratify  the  elec- 
tion, declared  the  office  vacant,  and  ordered  a  new  balloting. 
The  town,  evidently  not  allowing  the  authority  assumed  by 
the  Legislature,  refused  compliance.  But  whether  the  peo- 
ple re-elected  Mr.  M.  or  disregarded  the  order  of  court,  does 
not  appear.  It  is  certain,  however,  that  he  entered  upon  the 
duties  of  his  office,  for  which  he  was  fined  twenty  nobles,  and 
the  part  of  the  town  that  voted  for  hira,  five  pounds. -^ 

And  still  another  cause  of  trouble  to  the  early  settlers  of 
this  colony,  was  a  spirit  of  insubordination  which  had  in- 
fused itself  into  the  lower  class,  and  was  not  without  its  in- 
fluence upon  some  in  the  higher.  A  few  examples  of  cases 
occurring  within  the  first  few  years,  extracted  from  the 
Colonial  Records,  will  render  this  more  apparent,  and  will 
also  serve  to  illustrate  the  manners  and  customs  of  the  times. 

"  1638 ;  March,  Thurston  Rayner,  a  member  of  General  Court  from 
Wethersfield,  was  fined  one  shilling  for  not  being  present  at  the  appointed 
time. 

"  April  5th,  Thurston  Kayner,  George  Hubbard,  members  of  Gen.  Court 
from  Wethersfield,  fined  one  shilling  each  for  not  being  present  at  the  open- 
ing of  Court,  at  seven  o'clock,  [in  the  morning  ?] 


.  'T.  C.  R.  I.  5,  19,  20. 
t  lb.  9,  11,  13,  17,  37,  40,  51. 


29 

"  1G38,  April  lltli.  Jno.  Edwards  for  uiK-k'aii  practices,  to  be  whipt  at  a 
cart's  tail  upon  Lecture  day  at  Hartford. 

"  Jno.  Williams  for  similar  offences  to  stand  upon  the  pillory  from  the 
ringing  of  the  first  bell  to  the  end  of  Lecture,  and  to  be  whipt  at  a  cart's  tail 
two  days  after  at  Windsor. 

"  Aaron  Starke  for  similar  offence  to  stand  upon  the  pillory  and  be  whipt 
in  like  manner,  and  to  have  the  letter  R  burnt  in  his  cheek  for  the  -wrong 
done  Mary  Holt. 

"Mary  Holt,  for  like  offence,  fined  £lO,  to  be  paid  to  her  parents,  or  to 
the  commonwealth. 

"  Aug.  1.  '  Jno.  Bennett  and  Mary  Holt  censured  to  be  whipt  for  unclean 
practices.'  The  following  persons  also  '  censured  and  fined  for  unseasonable 
and  immoderate  drinking  at  the  Pinnace,'  Thomas  Cornwell,  20,s,  Samuel 
Kittlcwell,  lO.v,  Jno.  Lattimer,  15*-,  Thomas  Upson,  20s,  Mathew  Beckwith, 
10s. 

"  1639  ;  Sept.  5.  Samuel  Ireland  for  contempt  of  court  for  not  appearing 
when  summoned,  fined  10s.  Thomas  Gridley  for  refusing  to  watch,  suspi- 
cion of  drunkenness,  and  contemptuous  words  against  the  court,  to  be  whipt ; 
bound  to  good  behaviour,  £lO. 

"  1640  ;  January  2.     Jno.  Crow  fined  40s,  for  misdemeanor  in  drinking. 
"  Feb.  26th,  Jeffery  Ferris,  for  declaring  that  certain  referees  in  a  case 
were  not  disinterested,  fined  20s. 

"  Richard  Wescoat  for  misleading  Jno.  Whitmore,  in  the  same  fined  10s. 
"  April  2.     'Mary  Brunson,  now  the  wife  of  Nicolas  Disborough,  Jno. 
Olmested,  and  Jno.  Peerce,  were  corrected  for  wanton  dalliance,'  &c. 

"  April  4th.  George  Abbott  for  selling  a  pistol  to  the  Indians,  fined  £5, 
and  he  to  be  disposed  of  in  service  to  pay  the  fine. 

"  June  4th.  Ed.  Veare,  fined  10s,  for  cursing  and  swearing,  and  Is  also  to 
sit  in  the  stocks  two  hours  the  next  training  day. 

"  William  Hill  for  buying  a  stolen  gun,  and  breaking  open  the  Coblers 
hogshead  and  pack,  fined  £4. 

"  Nicholas  Olmsted  for  miscariges  with  Mary  Brunsen,  fined  20£,  to  stand 
upon  the  pillory  next  Lecture  day,  to  be  '  set  on  a  little  before  the  beginning, 
and  to  stay  thereon  a  little  after  the  end.'  Put  under  bonds  of  £30  to  submit 
to  It. 

"June   11th.     Richard  Gyldersly  [Glldersleeve]  convented  before  the 
court,  for  pernltlous  speeches,  tending  to  the  detriment  and  dishonour  of  the 
commonwealth,  fined  40s,  and  bound  over ;  bond  £20. 
"  Matthew  Michell  fined  as  above  mentioned  20  nobles. 
The  people  voting  for  him,  £5. 

"  July  2.  Nicholas  Senthion,  for  not  appearing  as  a  witness  against  Aaron 
Stark,  fined  5£. 

"  Aaron  Stark,  to  be  kept  with  lock  and  chain,  to  beld  to  hard  labor  and 
coarse  diet,  until  called  to  Court." 

It  is  impossible  for  us  at  this  distance  of  time,  under  the 


30 

different  circumstances  in  which  we  are  placed,  to  conceive 
of  the  difficulties  that  beset  our  ancestors  in  their  endeavors 
to  plant  a  Colony  upon  these  shores, — a  difficulty  which  waa 
increased  by  the  fact,  that  along  with  the  more  staid  and 
sober  Puritans,  a  class  of  reckless  adventurers  had  come,  per- 
sons who  hoped  to  better  their  condition,  without  reforming 
their  lives,  and  who  were  a  trouble  to  themselves  and  their 
neighbors.  The  strong  faith  which  they  had  in  the  justice 
of  their  own  cause,  naturally  led  them  to  judge  those 
who  differed  from  them  with  no  little  severity,  while  the  en- 
tire conformity  which  they  sought  to  establish  in  Church  and 
State,  compelled  them  to  take  notice  of  and  punish  many 
things,  which,  at  a  later  time,  would  have  passed  unnoticed. 
Nothing  daunted,  however,  they  divided  when  they  could 
not  agree  to  live  together,  and  learning. wisdom  by  experi- 
ence, soon  brought  things  into  harmonious  action  ;  produc- 
ing results  which  have  since  excited  the  wonder  and  admira- 
tion of  the  world.  The  following  notices  of  persons  who 
preached  in  Wethersfield  from  1635  to  1641,  have  been 
gleaned  from  the  sources  indicated  in  the  notes. 

Rev.  Peter  Prudden,  born  at  Edgton,  Yorkshire,  1601 ; 
educated  for  the  ministry  and  ordained  in  England ;  preached 
a  while  in  Yorkshire  and  Hertfordshire  before  coming  to  this 
country.  He  arrived  at  Boston  July  26th,  1637,  and  sailed 
for  New  Haven,  March  30th,  1638.  While  looking  about 
the  country  he  resided  for  a  time  at  Wethersfield,  and 
preached  there.  He  and  the  people  accompanying  him  at 
length  located  themselves  at  Wepowaug,  (Milford,)  where  he 
was  reordained  by  three  laymen,  April  18th,  1640.  Upon 
his  leaving  Wethersfield,  a  considerable  number  of  families 
accompanied  him  to  Milford  and  settled  there.  Cotton 
Mather  describes  him  as  "  an  example  of  piety,  gravity,  and 
boiling  zeal  against  the  growing  evils  of  the  times,"  and  yet 
possessed  of  "  a  singular  faculty  to  sweeten,  compose  and 
qualify  exasperated  spirits,  and  to  stop  or  heal  all  conten- 
tions." He  died  July,  1656,  in  the  fifty-sixth  year  of  his  age. 
He  had  two  sons,  one  of  whom,  John,  graduated  at  Cam- 
bridge 1668,  was  minister  of  a  Presbyterian  Church  in  New- 


31 

ark,  N.  J.  A  son  of  this  man — Job,  was  the  first  minister  of 
the  second  society  in  Milford.  He  was  graduated  at 
Yale  College  in  1743,  ordained  by  the  Presbytery  of  New 
Brunswick,  pastor  of  a  "  Separate  Church,"  May,  1747,  died 
June  24,  1774,  aged  fifty-nine.* 

Rev.  Richard  Denton  had  been  a  preacher  in  Halifax, 
Eng.,  before  coming  to,  this  country.  He  came  to  Water- 
town  in  1634,  and  to  Wethersfield  in  1635,  where  he  re- 
mained until  1641,  when  he  went  to  Rippowoms,  (Stam- 
ford,) carrying  a  considerable  number  of  families  with  him. 
In  1644,  he  removed  with  a  portion  of  his  congregation  to 
Hempstead,  L.  I.,  where  he  died  in  1663.  He  is  described 
as  "  an  able  man  and  an  excellent  preacher,"  "  a  little  man 
with  a  great  soul,  whose  well  accomplished  mind  in  his  lesser 
body,  was  an  Iliad  in  a  nut-shell."  He  left  in  manuscript  a 
system  of  Divinity  entitled  Soliloquia  Sacra,  which  consid- 
ered man  in  his  four-fold  state,  his  "  created  purity, — con- 
tracted deformity, — restored  beauty,  and  celestial  glory." 
"  Fifteen  acres  of  land"  were  "  set  out  to  Mr.  Deynton  and  a 
friend  of  his"  in  Wethersfield,  in  1640  ;  ten  of  which  were 
upon  the  east  side  of  the  river.  This  land,  which  was  situa- 
ted at  Nayaug,  subsequently  became  the  property  of  Mr. 
John  Hollister.f 

Rev.  John  Sherman  was  born  in  Dedham,  England,  Dec. 
26,  1613,  and  educated  at  Cambridge  University.  He  came 
to  this  country  in  1634,  and  after  being  an  assistant  to  Mr. 
Phillips  of  Watertown,  came  to  Wethersfield,  in  1635,  and 
went  to  Milford  in  1640,  where  he  was  chosen  teaching  elder 
in  connection  with  Mr.  Prudden,  vvhich  office  he  declined. 
He  preached  only  occasionally  in  Connecticut.  On  the 
death  of  Mr.  Phillips,  Mr.  Sherman  returned  to  W^atertovvn 
in  1644.  He  died  August  8th,  1685,  aged  seventy-one.  He 
was  twice  married  and  had  six  children  by  his  first  wife,  and 
twenty  by  his  last.     After   his   return   to    Massachusetts  he 


•  Good.  F.  G.  xxxviii.  Lam.  C.  N.  H.  101,  lOS.  Math.  Mag.  Biii.  c.  6,  vol. 
I.  p.  357.     Tiumb.  I.  294.     Brace,  Hist.  1st  Cong.  Church  Milford,  p.  9. 

t  Good.  F.  G.  xxxviii.  T.  L.  I.  352.  Math.  Mag.  Biii,  c.  9,  vol.  I.  p.  3G0. 
Trumb.  C.  R.  I.  63.     W.  L.  R.  I.  p.  7-5. 


32 

was  a  Fellow  of  Harvard  College,  and  lectured  for  the  stu- 
dents for  nearly  thirty  years.  He  was  an  excellent  theolo- 
gian, and  an  eminent  mathematician,  and  published  several 
Almanacs  with  pious  reflections.  His  preaching  was  plain 
and  simple,  generally  extempore  and  yet  pervaded  by  an  un- 
affected loftiness  of  style  and  brilliancy  of  imagination. 

Rev.  Josiah  Sherman,  second  minister  of  the  second 
society  in  Milford,  was  great-grandsoji  of  this  man.  He 
graduated  at  Nassau  Hall  1754,  received  the  honorary  degree 
of  M.  A.  at  Harvard,  1758,  and  at  Yale,  1765.  After  having 
been  settled  at  Woburn,  Mass.,  about  fifteen  years,  he  was 
installed  at  Milford,  Aug.  23d,  1775,  dismissed  June  21, 1781. 
He  died  at  Woodbridge,  Nov.  24th,  1789.  The  Hon.  Roger 
Minot  Sherman  of  Connecticut,  b.  1773,  died  1845,  was  his 
son,  and  he  married  Elizabeth  Gould,  born  1774,  died  1848, 
daughter  of  Hon.  James   Gould  of  Litchfield,  (born  1770, 

died ,)  whose  wife  was  Mary  Guy,  born  1737,  died  1816 ; 

who  was  the  daughter  of  Stephen  Foote,  born  1672,  died 
1762;  who  was  the  son  of  Robert  Foote  of  Wethersfield, 
born  1627,  died  1681,  who  was  the  son  of  Nathaniel  Foote, 
the  first  settler  of  Wethersfield.* 

REV.  HENRY  SMITH,  1641—1648. 
After  the  removal  of  Messrs.  Prudden,  Denton  and  Sherman, 
the  Rev.  Henry  Smith  seems  to  have  been  the  only  remaining 
minister.  Various  reasons  lead  us  to  suppose  that  the  Church 
was  now  reorganized,  and  that  he  was  installed  over  them. 
He  was  properly  the  first  settled  minister  of  Wethersfield.  But 
though  a  large  body  of  planters  had  left,  some  going  to  Mil- 
ford in  1639,  with  Rev.  Messrs.  Prudden  and  Sherman ;  others 
to  Stamford  in  1640,  with  Rev.  Mr.  Denton ;  some  restless 
spirits  still  remained,  and  another  difficulty  arose  among  the 
inhabitants  of  so  grievous  a  nature  that  they  deemed  it  ad- 
visable to  apply  to  the  General  Court  for  advice.     The  court 

*  Lam.  C.  N.  H.  90,  101,  108.  Allen.  B.  D.  G91.  Trumb.  C.  R.  2,  49, -4G3. 
Math.  Mag.  Biii.  c.  29.  vol.  I.  pp.  461 — 467.  Hon.  R.  M.  Sherman  supposed 
his  father's  great-grandfather  to  be  Capt.  John,  and  not  Rev.  John  Sherman,  but 
as  we  are  unable  to  reconcile  the  history  with  itself  on  this  supposition,  we 
have  followed  the  statements  of  the  books  referred  to. 


33 

appointed  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  matter,  who  made 
the  following  Report,  April  13th,  1643. 

"  The  coppy  of  the  opinion  of  the  comittee  vppon  the  petition  of  those  of 
Wethcrsfield. 

"  The  petition  of  those  of  Wethersfield  hath  bine  taken  into  sadde  and 
serious  consideration,  and  wc  doe  find  the  distance  and  diifereuces  to  be  ex- 
ceeding great,  and  some  of  the  such  as  will  necessarily  require  publique  ex- 
aminatio  and  censure,  so  that  till  then  we  cannot  express  o' judgments  con- 
serueing  p'ticulars  :  We  find  also  that  many  of  these  who  put  vp  their  names 
for  remoueall  were  not  induced  thereunto  by  any  dislike,  or  ingadgement  they 
haue  In  the  p^sent  quarrells  but  for  want  of  lotts  and  other  considerations  ; 
yet  vppon  the  vew  of  the  generall,  conceaueing  yt  will  be  disaduantagious  to 
the  publique  and  vncomfortable  if  not  distructiue  to  themselues  that  so  many 
as  are  interested  in  the  p''sent  differences  should  remoue  and  vppon  other 
considerations,  we  are  of  opinion  that  the  best  way  for  recouering  and 
p'^searueing  the  publique  peace  is  that  Mr,  Smith  lay  downe  his  place  if  yt 
may  be  done  according  to  God."* 

This  opinion  was  approved  by  the  General  Court,  and  a 
copy  of  it  given  to  Mr.  Smith  for  his  answer,  with  the  re- 
quest, that  if  it  was  not  satisfactory  to  him  he  would  point 
out  some  other  course.  That  the  course  suggested  did  not 
meet  his  approbation,  is  evident  from  the  fact  that  on  the  5th 
of  July,  the  Court  ordered  all  persons  aggrieved  to  reduce 
their  particular  gi'ievances  or  wrongs  to  writing,  and  to  fur- 
nish Mr.  Smith  with  a  copy  within  three  weeks,  that  he 
might  have  his  answer  in  readiness  for  the  Court  in  Septem- 
ber. The  case  came  on  for  final  hearing,  Nov.  10th,  1643, 
when  upon  a  full  hearing,  it  was  found  that  most  of  the 
charges  against  Mr.  Smith  w^ere  mistakes,  and  that  he  had 
been  much  wronged  both  by  false  reports  and  unjust  surmises. 
It  was  also  ordered  that — 

"  Mr.  Chaplin,  for  divulging  and  setting  his  hand  to  a  paper  called  a  dec^ 
laration,  tending  to  the  defamation  of  Mr.  Smith,  is  fined  £lO. 

"  Francis  Norton,  for  setting  his  hand  to  the  said  writing,  is  fined  £5. 

"  John  Goodridge,  for  setting  his  hand  to  said  writing,  is  fined  -iOs. 

"  Mr.  Plum,  for  preferring  a  roll  of  grievances  against  Mr.  Smith,  and 
failing  of  proof  in  the  prosecution  thereof,  is  fined  £lO. 

*T.  C.  R.  I.  S7. 


34 

"  Robert  Rose,  for  joining  with  Mi".  Plum,  is  fined  405. 

"  And  that  a  writing  shall  be  prepared  and  openly  read  in  the  several 
towns,  for  the  clearing  Mr.  Smith,  and  an  order  made  of  £  10  fine  for  who- 
soever shall  be  convicted  under  two  witnesses,  to  divulge  any  the  said  griev- 
ances to  his  defamation." 

The  decided  stand  taken  by  the  General  Court  seems  to 
have  caused  things  to  remain  quiet,  though  all  were  not  sat- 
isfied, and  a  company  went  to  Branford  and  commenced  a 
settlement  the  year  following,  1644.  During  the  remainder 
of  Mr.  Smith's  ministry,  nothing  important  is  known  to  have 
occurred.  He  died  in  1648,  grieved  and  wearied  with  the  bur- 
dens of  the  world. 

It  was  during  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Smith,  (1646)  that  Mary 
Johnson,  who  seems  to  have  resided  at  Wethersfield,  was 
publicly  whipped,  first  at  Hartford,  and  then  at  Wethersfield, 
for  thenerij,  or  witchcraft;  and  who  in  1648  was  indicted  for 
"  familiarity  with  the  devil."* 

Rev.  Henry  Smith  probably  arrived  in  this  country  in 
1637,  as  he  and  his  wife  were  admitted  to  full  communion 
with  the  first  Church  in  Charlestown,  Mass.,  December  5th, 
of  that  year.  He  was  residing  at  Wethersfield  previous  to 
the  division  of  lots  on  this  side  of  the  river  in  1639-40,  and 
received  a  farm  here  of  considerable  size,  which  descended 
to  his  son  Samuel,  a  name  that  was  perpetuated  for  many 
years  in  this  town.  Samuel  Smith,  a  grandson  of  Rev.  H. 
Smith,  who  was  among  the  early  settlers  of  Suffield,  married 
JerusJia,  daughter  of  Rev.  Increase  Mather,  grand-daughter 
of  Rev.  Richard  Mather  and  John  Cotton,  and  sister  of  Rev. 
Cotton  Mather.  Rev.  Cotton  Mather  Smith  was  son  of 
Samuel  and  Jerusha  Smith,  born,  Suffield,  Oct.  16th,  1731 ; 
graduated  at  Yale,  1751 ;  ordained  over  the  Congregational 
Church  in  Sharon,  Aug.  1755,  where  he  remained  until  his 
death,  in  1806.  The  Hon.  John  Cotton  Smith,  LL.  D.,  son 
of  the  last  mentioned  person,  was  born  at  Sharon,  Feb.  12th, 
1756,  graduated  at  Yale,  1783,  admitted  to  the  bar  1786, 
member  of  Congress  from  1800  to  1806,  and  Governor  of  the 
State  from  1812  to  1817,   President  of  the  A.  B.  C.  F.  M. 

*  T.  C.  R.  I.  143,  171. 


35 

from  1836  to  1841,  and  of  the  Am.  Bib.  Soc.  from  1831  to 
his  death,  Dec.  7th,  1845.*  The  Hon.  John  Cotton  Smith  is 
grandson  of  the  last  mentioned  individual. 

REV.  JOHN  RUSSELL,  1650—1659.  ) 

After  the  death  of  Mr.  Smith,  the  church  in  "Wethersfield 
called  JoH^f  Russell,  Jr.,  whose  father  removed  from  Cam- 
bridge, Mass.,  somewhere  between  1635  and  1645.  He  was 
born  in  England,  graduated  at  Harvard,  1645,  settled  at 
Wethersfield  about  1650.  The  early  part  of  his  ministry 
seems  to  have  been  quiet,  but  the  "  Hartford  Controversy," 
as  it  was  called,  beginning  to  rage  at  this  time,  Mr.  R.  and 
part  of  his  church,  became  involved  in  it.  What  the  pre- 
cise nature  of  the  controversy  was.  Cotton  Mather  says  it  was 
difficult  even  at  the  time  to  tell,  and  Trumbull  bears  testimony 
to  the  same  effect.  It  was  supposed,  however,  to  involve  some 
vital  points  in  the  nature  of  Congregationalism,  Rev.  Mr. 
Stone,  of  Hartford,  taking  the  Presbyterian,  and  his  ruling 
Elder,  Mr.  Goodwin,  the  Independent  view  of  the  matter. 
The  question  was  virtually,  that  of  increasing  the  power  of 
the  clergy  as  against  the  people,  and  hence  the  reason  why 
it  spread  so  rapidly  throughout  the  colony.  Mr.  Russell,  so 
far  as  we  can  judge  from  his  practice,  seems  to  have  held 
substantially  the  views  of  Mr.  Stone ;  for  in  keeping  with 
Mr.  Stone's  definition  of  Congregationalism,  ("  A  speaking 
aristocracy  in  the  face  of  a  silent  democracy,")  Mr.  Russell 
proceeded  to  excommunicate  Lieut.  Hollister,  in  1656,  from 
the  church  in  Wethersfield,  privately  as  would  seem,  certain- 
ly without  the  usual  notice  and  trial,  and  subsequently  re- 
fused to  give  the  reasons  for  the  act  when  demanded  by  Mr. 
Hollister.  Lieut.  H.  brought  the  matter  before  the  General 
Court,  of  which  he  was  a  member,  and  obtained  an  order 
that  Mr.  Russell  should  give  the  reasons  of  the  course  which 
had  been  pursued.  No  record  of  the  reasons,  or  of  any  sub- 
sequent action  upon  them,  are  known  to  exist ;  but  it  seems 
reasonable  to  infer   from  various  facts,  that  Lieut.  H.  was 


*  Good.  G.  F.  xxxviii.   and  ix,  T.  C    R.  I.   70-9S  and  502.      Conn.  Evang 
Mag.  Ap.  1809.    Kilb.  Litch.  Biog.  107-117. 


36 

excommunicated,  not   for  any  defect  of  moral  or  religious 
character,  but  for  charging  Mr.  R.  with  having  sworn  falsely 
in  some  case  in  which  he  had  been  caUedj  to  testify.    This 
case  was  tried  sometime  previous  to  Aug.  1658,  for  at  the 
General  Court,  held  on  the  18th  of  that  month,  John  Hol- 
LiSTER  preferred  a  petition  to  the  Court,  alleging  that  Mr. 
R.  "  had  taken  a  scandalous  oath,  which  he  had  acknowl- 
edged as  ambiguous,  rash  and  sinful,  whereby  the  inhabit- 
ants were  afraid  to  adventure  themselves  under  his  ministry," 
praying  for  leave  to  set  up  a  congregation  for  separate  wor- 
ship.    This  petition  was  signed  by  John  Hollister,  Thom- 
as Wright,  Sen.,  John  Deming,  Sen. ;  John  Edwards,  Sen., 
Rich.  Smith,  Sen.,  and  five  other  members  of  the  church,  fe- 
males.   The  Com-t  refused  to  grant  the  petition,  but  censured 
Mr.  Russell  for  carelessness.     The  excommunication  being 
subsequent  to  this,  seems  to  have  grown  out  of  it.     This, 
with  the  order  of  the  Court  next  year,  compelling  Mr.  Rus- 
sell to  render  reasons  for  excommunicating  Lieut.  H.,  seems 
to  have  given  great  offence  to   Mr.  R.  and  his  friends,  and 
they  soon  after  resolved  to  leave  this  colony,  and  remove  into 
the  jurisdiction  of  Massachusetts,  which   they  did  in  the 
course  of  the  year  1659.     A  large  majority  of  the  members 
of  the  church  joined  in  this  act,  leaving  the  remaining  mem- 
bers, so  few,  and  in  such  a  disorganized   state,  as  to  raise 
doubts  in  the  minds  of  many  whether  the  church  had  not 
become  extinct  at  Wethersfield.     The  individuals  who  went 
to  Hadley  with  Mr.  Russell,  are  mentioned  in  a  list  given  on 
a  subsequent  page.     The  General  Court,  in  order  to  remedy 
the  evils  growing  out  of  this  state  of  things,   at  its  session, 
March  14th,  1661,  resolved,  that  inasmuch  as  there  was  a 
church  orderly  gathered  in  Wethersfield,  by  the  fuU  allow- 
ance of  the  Court  and  magistrates  then  in  power,  and  by  the 
consent  and  approbation  of  neighboring  churches,  the  re- 
moval of  members   did   not  destroy  the  church,  and  there- 
fore the  "  Court  doth  hereby  declare  that  the  said  Church  is 
the  true  and  undoubted  Church  of  Christ  in  Wethersfield, 
and  so  to  be  accounted  and  esteemed." 

Mr.  Russell  and  his  congregation,  being  joined  by  a  body 


37 

of  people  from  Hartford,  they  removed  and  planted  the  town 
of  Hadley,  of  which  he  was  the  first  minister,  and  where  he 
died,  Nov.  10th,  1692,  aged  about  67.  He  left  two  sons. 
Jonathan,  graduated  at  Harvard,  1675,  settled  at  Barnstable, 
Mass.,  died  Feb.  21st,  1711,  aged  56  ;  and  Samuel,  graduated 
at  Harvard,  1681,  settled  at  Branford,  1687,  died  June  25th, 
1731,  aged  71.* 

mLITARY  ORGANIZATION  EAST  OF  THE  RIVER. 

It  was  during  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Russell  at  Wethersfield, 
May  18th,  1653,  that  the  General  Court  passed  the  following 
Act,  which  was  the  first  grant  of  corporate  power  of  any  de- 
scription, to  people  on  the  east  side  of  the  river ;  the  first  dis- 
tinct recognition  of  them  as  an  independent  body,  for  any 
purpose  whatever : 

"  The  inhabitants  on  the  East  side  of  the  Gi-eat  River,  are  exempted  from 
training  with  the  Towns  on  the  West  side,  this  present  time,  and  are  to  meet 
on  the  East  side,  as  Will:  Hill  shall  appoint,  and  train  there  together,  and  so 
continue  on  their  training  days  until  the  Court  take  further  order :  And 
Will:  Hill  Is  to  return  the  names  of  those  that  do  not  meet  according  to  aja- 
pointment,  as  notice  shall  be  given  them." 

As  we  find  no  repeal  of  this  order,  it  seems  to  have  remain- 
ed in  force  until  the  incorporation  of  the  town  in  1690,  and 
hence,  the  first  military  organization  for  the  defence  of  the 
people  on  this  side  of  the  river,  dates  from  May  18th,  1653, 
two  centuries  from  the  present  time ;  and  taken  in  connec- 
tion with  other  events,  forms  a  very  appropriate  and  proper 
beginning  of  our  independent  history. 

REV.  JOHN  COTTON,  1660— 16G3. 

After  the  removal  of  Mr.  Russell,  the  Rev.  Johx  Cotton, 
Jr.,  was  employed  at  Wethersfield,  and  remained  there  until 
1663.  He  was  born  at  Boston,  March,  1 3th,  1640,  and  gradu- 
ated at  Harvard,  1657.  From  16^4  to  1667,  he  preached  to  the 
whites  and  Indians  on  Martha's  Vineyard,  and  thus  obtained 
a  very  good  knowledge  of  the  Indian  language.     His  vocab- 


•  Biog.  Rev.  J.  R.  Am.  Q.  R.  viii.  140,  41.     Tram.  H.  C.  I.  309,  10.  Trum. 
C.  R.  I.  318-363.     Good.  F.  G.  xvii.  A.Q.  R.  XV.  63,  64.     Hin.  Pur.  97. 


38 

ulary  of  Indian  words  is  exceedingly  valuable  for  the  study 
of  the  native  languages  of  New  England.  In  1667,  he  re- 
moved to  Plymouth,  where  he  remained  thirty  years.  In 
1697,  he  asked  for  a  dismission,  and  the  year  following  was 
settled  at  Charleston,  S.  C,  where  he  died  Sept.  18th,  1699, 
aged  59.* 

REV.  JOSEPH  HAYNES,  1663—1664. 
Rev.  Joseph  Haynes,  son  of  Gov.  Haynes  of  Hartford, 
graduated  at  Harvard,  1658,  supplied  the  pulpit  at  Weth- 
ersfield  in  1663  and  1664.  During  the  latter  year  he  was 
called  to  the  first  Congregational  Church  in  Hartford.  He 
died  May  14th,  1679,  aged  38.  He  married  Sarah,  daughter 
of  Richard  Lord,  who  was  son  of  Thomas  Lord,  one  of  the 
first  settlers  of  Hartford.     She  was  born  1638  and  died  1705.f 

1664. 

Rev.  Thomas  Buckingham,  son  of  Thomas  B.  of  New 
Haven,  and  subsequently  of  Milford,  born  Nov.,  1646,  preach- 
ed a  short  time  at  Wethersfield,  for  which  the  town  voted  to 
pay  "  20  shillings  a  week."  He  was  subsequently  settled  at 
Saybrook,  and  died  April  1st,  1709,  aged  62.J 

1664—1666. 

Rev.  Jonathan  Willoughby,  according  to  Mr.  Goodwin, 
son  of  Lieut.  Gov.  Willoughby  of  Massachusetts,  preached  in 
Wethersfield  from  September,  1664,  to  the  spring  of  1666. 
There  seems  to  be  great  doubt  as  to  his  being  the  son  of 
Gov.  Willoughby.  Among  the  ministers  who  came  from 
England  to  this  country  between  1620  and  1687,  was  "  Rev. 
Jonathan  Willaubee,"  of  whose  identity  with  the  person 
above  mentioned,  there  can  be  little  doubt.  He  preached  at 
Wethersfield  up  to  the  spring  of  1666,  and  between  that  and 
1668,  he  officiated  at  Haddam  for  a  short  season.     His  sub- 


*  Allen,  311,   312  ;    Good.  F.  G.  xxxix.      His  Vocabulary  is  in  Mass.  Hist. 
Col.  3d  Series,  Vol.  11.  pp.  155-257. 

t  Allen.  446 ;  Good.  F.  G.  xxxix.  ;  Trumb.  H.  C.  I.  492;  Porter's  Notices,  8 
i  Allen,  180  ;  Good.  F.  G.  xxxix. ;  Trumb.  H.  G.  I.  492. 


39 

sequent  history  is  unknown.     Farmar  supposes  him  to  have 
been  a  Scotchman.* 

1666. 
Rev.  Samuel  StOxNe,  son  of  Rev.  S.  S.,  second  minister  of 
Hartford,  preached  at  Wethersfield  for  a  time  after  the  re- 
moval of  Mr.  Willoughby,  and  also  while  Mr.  Bulkley,  who 
succeeded,  was  absent  as  surgeon  in  the  Indian  wars.  He 
subsequently  preached  at  Simsbury  from  1673  to  1679.  He 
died  soon  after,  in  consequence  of  falling  from  a  bridge  in 
Hartford.f 

REV.  GERSHOM  BULKLEY,  1666—167  7. 
Rev,  Gershom  Bulkley,  son  of  Rev.  Peter  Bulkley  of 
Concord,  Mass.,  born  Dec.  26th,  1635, — graduated  at  Har- 
vard 1659,  settled  in  New  London,  1661,  installed  at  Weth- 
ersfield 1666,  dismissed  1677,  died  at  Glastenbury,  Dec.  2d, 
1713.  His  mother  died,  as  was  supposed,  on  her  passage,  to 
this  country,  but  at  the  urgent  request  of  the  husband  the 
body  was  kept  three  days  beyond  the  time  appointed  for 
committing  it  to  the  deep,  when  signs  of  vitality  returned, 
and  she  at  length  recovered.  Her  son  Gershom  was  born 
soon  after  her  arrival.  After  leaving  college  he  studied 
divinity  and  medicine,  and  settled  at  New  London.  Some 
difference  of  opinion  having  arisen  between  him  and  his 
people  in  regard  either  to  doctrine  or  discipline,  he  resigned 
his  place.  After  being  installed  at  Wethersfield,  he  was  ap- 
pointed by  the  General  Court  in  1675,  surgeon  to  the  army 
that  had  been  raised  against  the  Indians,  and  Mr.  Stone  was 
directed  to  supply  the  place  of  Mr.  B.  in  his  absence. 


*  Am.  Quar.  Reg.  V.  202,  203;  Good.  F.  G.  xxxix.  ;  Field.  Stat.  Ac.  Mid. 
Co.  69. 

t  Col.  Rec.  II.  277  ;  Phelps'  Simsbury,  49,  50  ;  Good.  F.  G.  xxxix.  Mr.  G. 
has  fallen  into  several  errors  in  regard  to  Mr.  S.,  making  him  to  have  been 
settled  at  Simsbury  previously  to  preaching  in  Wethersfield  in  1665,  whereas  he 
began  to  preach  in  Simsbury  in  1673,  and  was  never  settled  there.  Mr.  G. 
also  makes  Mr.  S.  die  July  20,  1673,  aged  60,  whereas  he  preached  at  Sims- 
bury until  1679,  and  his  death,  "  July  20,  1673,"  is  probably  a  mistake  for  his 
father's  death,  "  July  20,  1663."    Allen,  70S. 


40 

After  his  return  from  King  Philip's  war,  he  asked  a  dismis- 
sion from  the  church  in  Wethersfield,  removed  to  the  east 
side  of  the  river,  and  commenced  practice  as  a  physician, 
which  he  continued  over  thirty  years. 

As  a  minister,  Mr.  B.  was  of  the  first  class,  while  as  a  phy- 
sician he  stood  at  the  head  of  the  profession.  He  devoted 
much  time  to  chemistry  with  its  useful  researches,  and  to 
philosophy  as  a  cardinal  branch  of  medical  knowledge. 
Even  to  alchemy,  with  its  visionary  speculations,  then  so 
closely  allied  to  chemistry,  he  seems  to  have  paid  considera- 
ble attention.  He  was  master  of  several  languages,  among 
which  may  be  reckoned  the  Greek,  Latin  and  Dutch.  He 
was  famous  as  a  surgeon,  preeminent  as  a  chemist,  and  high- 
ly respected  as  a  magistrate. 

■  As  a  magistrate  and  statesman,  his  sympathies  were  not 
always  on  the  popular  side.  He  was  a  man  of  peace,  but 
at  the  same  time  was  one  who  expected  unqualified  obedi- 
ence to  authority.  A  slight  questioning  of  this  led  to  his 
resignation  of  the  parish  of  New  London,  and  something  of 
the  kind  may  have  operated  at  Wethersfield.  At  least,  as  a 
politician,  he  was  opposed  to  the  assumption  of  the  govern- 
ment by  the  colonial  authorities  in  1689,  after  the  time  of  Sir 
Edmund  Andrus.  The  political  sagacity  and  foresight  of 
Mr.  B.  enabled  him  to  foresee,  that  the  course  the  colonists 
were  pursuing,  would  finally  lead  to  the  triumph  of  those 
democratical  principles  which  they  all  disavowed,  and  con- 
sequently he  set  his  face  against  them.  Li  1689,  he  publish- 
ed, at  Philadelphia,  a  pamphlet  on  the  affairs  of  Connecticut, 
but  no  copy  of  it  is  known  to  exist  in  this  country.  The 
same  year  (1689)  he  wrote  a  work  with  the  curious  title ; 
Will  and  Doom,  or  the  miseries  of  Connecticut  by  and  un- 
der a  usurped  and  arbitrary  poiver ;  being  a  narrative  of  the 
first  erection  and  exercise,  but  especially  of  the  late  changes 
and  administration  of  government  in  their  Majesties  Colony 
of  New  England  in  America.  This  work  was  never  printed, 
but  was  sent  to  England  by  the  Governor  of  New  York 
some  dozen  years  after,  as  the  most  reliable  account  of  New 
England  to  be  found. 


41 

He  married  Sarah,  daughter  of  President  Chauncey,  by 
whom  he  had, — 

Catherine,  b. m. Treat,  left  a  dau.  Catherine. 

Doroth}',     b. m.  Thomas  Treat  of  Nayaug,  and  had  eight  children. 

Charles,      b. licenced  a  physician,  N.  L.,  1687. 

Peter,         b. m.  Kachel  Talcott,  lost  at  sea,  1701,  aged  thirty-seven. 

Edward,     b. m.  Dorothy had  eight  children,  d.  Aug.  27,  1748. 

John,  b. grad.  at  Ilarv.  1G99,  settled  at  Colchester  1 703,  d.  June, 

1 731.  He  was  distinguished  as  a  minister  and  physician,  and  a  man  of  sound 
judgment  and  discrimination.  He  married  Patience  Prentice  of  New  Lon- 
don, and  had  five  sons  and  four  daughters.  The  descendants  of  Mr.  Bulkley 
held  prominent  places  in  the  civil  and  ecclesiastical  departments  of  the 
colony  for  a  long  period,  and  many  arc  still  adorning  the  various  walks  of 
life. 

"  Lt.  Thomas  Treat  of  Nayaug,"m.  Dorothy  Bulkley,  July  5th,  1693,  and  had 

Richard,     b.  May,     14,  1694. 

28,  1696,  m.  Sarah  Gardiner,  1727. 
3,  1699,  m.  Mary  Hopson,   1726,  and  had  eleven 

5,  1701,  m.  Rebecca  Bulkley,  his  cousin,  1730. 
28,  1704,  m.  wid.  Hannah  Benton  about  1753. 
28,  1704. 
21,  1707,  m.  Joseph  Tryon,  1729. 

9.  1710,  m.  Joseph  Stephens  1733,  d.  1735. 

Mr.  Bulkley  is  also  identified  with  the  history  of  the  Nau- 
buc  farms,  by  the  great  case  of  Bulkley  and  Hollister,  which 
was  before  the  General  Court  in  1G84  and  1685,  and  which 
led  to  a  re-survey  of  all  the  "  lots"  from  Hartford  line  to  Nay- 
aug, by  order  of  the  General  Court,  and  which  has  been 
preserved  in  the  Archives  of  the  State.  The  papers  pre- 
served relative  to  this  case,  are  of  importance  to  the  history 
of  the  Town.* 

The  actual  political  strength  of  this  town,  during  the  min- 


•  Caiilk.  131-140.  Allen,  1S7,  1S8.  T.  C.  R.  I.  346,  492,  II.  86,  271,  277. 
Doct.  Sumner's  Notices  of  Early  Phys.  Conn.  27-30.  Am.  Quar.  Reg.  IX.  3G6. 
H.  P.  3S0-387.  Church  Review,  I.  135.  S.  P.  Conn.  Pr.  Cent.  III.  115-140, 
G.  L.  R.  VI.  15,  etc. 

During  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Bulkley,  Katharine  Harrison  was  indicted,  tried 
and  found  guilty  of  witchcraft  (1670.)  The  Gen.  Court  refused  to  pass  sen- 
tence of  death,  but  set  her  at  liberty,  on  condition  she  should  leave  town.  C. 
R.  II.  132. 


Charles, 

b.  Feb. 

Thomas, 

b.  May, 

children. 

Isaac, 

b.  Aug. 

Dorothfcus 

,  b.  Aug. 

Dorothy, 

b.  Aug. 

Sarah, 

b.  July, 

Mar}', 

b.  Jan. 

42 

istry  of  Mr.  Bulkley,  may  be  inferred  from  the  following  list 
of  persons  who  are  known  to  have  been  resident  in  the  town, 
previous  to  1673,  when  the  second  purchase  was  made  of  the 
Indians.     This  list  shows, 

(1)  The  purchasers  of  Eastbury,  and  the  amount  of  their 
tax. 

(2)  Those  who  left  for  other  places,  the  name  being  in 
Italic. 

(3)  Those  who  owned  land  in  the  first  pure!  'se,  before 
1670,  name  in  small  caps. 

(4)  Those  who  were  Freemen  of  the  Town  in  1669,  a  star 
(*)  added  to  the  name. 

KESIDENTS  IN  WETHERSFELD  FROM  1634  TO  1673. 
Abbott,  Robert.     H.  P.  S.  164,  went  to  Branford. 
Atwood,  Thomas,  made  freemen  1669.    Col.  Rec.  II.  111. 
Baker,  Thomas,  went  to  Millbrd.     Lamb.  89. 
Barratt,  Samuel.     H.  P.  S.  164. 
Bascum,  William.     H.  P.  S.  164. 

Bates,  Robert,  went  to  Stamford,  d.  1675.     H.  P.  232. 
Beokly,  John,  2s.  l^d.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 
*Beckly,  Richard.    C.  R.  II.  520. 
Beedle,  Robert.    H.  P.  S.  164. 

*Belden,  John,  65.  11^.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 
Belden  Richard,  went  to  New  London.     Caulk.  67. 
Belts,  George,  went  to  Guilford.     H.  P.  152. 
Betts,  John,  3s.  4 J.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 
Bennett,  Josejjh.     H.  P.  S.  164. 

Bentox,  Edward,  3s.  3  J.     Lived  on  this  side  of  the  river. 
Biggs,  William.     H.  P.  S.  165. 

Birdseye,  John,  went  toMilford,  d.  1649.     Lamb.  89. 
Bishop,  John,  went  to  Guilford. 

Blackleach,  John,  4s.  3 J.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 
*Boarman,  Isaac.     Col.  Rec.  II.  520. 
Boarman,  Nathaniel,  made  freeman  1669.     C.  R.  II.  111. 
Boarman,  Wm.,  went  to  Guilford. 
*Boarman,  Samuel.     Col.  Rec.  11.  520. 

Boar[d]man,  Widow,  9s.  ^d.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 
Bolt,  Francis,  went  to  IVIilford,  d.  1649.     Lamb.  89. 
Boltwood,  Robert,  went  to  Hadley.     H.  P.  97. 
BoosEY,  James.    Col.  Rec.  I.  30,  etc.  etc. 
Boosey,  Joseph.     H.  P.  S.  164. 
BoswELL  James,  lived  in  Hartford. 


43 

JJotsford,  Henri/,  went  to  Milfbrd,  d.  1G8C.     Lamb.  89. 

Bramfiold,  Wm.    H.  P.  S.  1G4. 

Bristo,  Nathaniel,  went  to  Milford. 

Brunson,  John,  made  freeman  1G69.     Col.  Ilec.  II.  111. 

Brundlsh,  John.     Col.  R.  I.  45. 

Brjian,  Alexander,  went  to  Milfoi-d  1079.    Lamb.  89. 

Buck,  Enoch,  7s.  Or/.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

*Buck,  Emmanuel.     11.  P.  iiOi. 

*Buck,  Plenry,  5s.  2iJ.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Bulkley,  Enoch.    H.  P.  S.  164. 

Bulkier,  Gershom,  Is.  lOiJ.     Lived  on  this  side  of  the  river. 

Burrows,  R.,  went  to  New  London.     Caulk.  6  7. 

Burwell,  John,  went  to  jMilford,  d.  1649.     Lamb.  89. 

Butler,  Nathaniel,  2s.  0\d.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

*Butler,  Samuel,  3s.  3.iJ.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Camj),  Nicholas,  went  to  Milford,  d.  1706.     Lamb.  89. 

Chaplain,  Clement.   H.  P.  S.  164. 

Chappel,  George.     H.  P.  S.  164. 

Chester,  Dorothy.     H.  P.  S.  164. 

Chester,  John,  17s.  8c?.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Chester,  Leonard.  Col.  Rec.  I.  75. 

*Chester,  Stephen,  2s.  6c/.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

*Church,  Josiah.    Col.  Rec.  II.  520. 

Churchill,  Josiah,  9s.  9f/,     Owned  land  in  Eastbury  1673. 

Clark,  George,  went  to  Milford,  d.  1690.     Lamb.  89. 

Clark,  G.  Jr.  went  to  IVIilford,  d.  1690.     Lamb.  89. 

Clark,  Samuel,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  232. 

CoE,  Robert,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  232. 

Colefax,  William.     H.  P.  S.  164. 

Coleij,  Samuel,  went  to  Milford,  d.  1684.     Lamb.  89. 

Coleman,  Noah,  5s.  Of/.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  167  3. 

Coleman,  Thomas,  went  to  Hadley.     H.  P.  9  7. 

*Coltman,  John.     H.P.  S.  164.     Col.  Rec.  U.  520. 

Cooper,  Thomas.     Col.  Rec.  L  142. 

Couch,  Thomas,  Is.  &d.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Crahh,  Richard,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  232. 

*Crane,  Benjamin,  4s.  bid.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

*CurtIce,  John,  3s.  4J.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

*Curtice,  Thomas,  7s.  10(/.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

*Deming,  John  Sen'r,  9s.  bd.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

*Deming,  John  Jr.  5s.  Id.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

*Deming,  Jonathan,  amount  of  tax  torn  off. 

Denton,  Rev.  Richard,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  232. 

Dickinson,  John,  went  to  Hadley.     H.  P.  97. 

Dickinson,  Nathaniel,  went  to  Hadley.    H.  P.  97. 


44 

Dickinson,  Tliomas,  went  to  Hadley.     H.  P.  97. 

Dickinson,  William.     H.  P.  S.  164. 

Dix,  Leonard,  5s.  b^d,  Avent  to  Milford,  d.  1681.     Lamb.  89. 

Edwards,  John,  2s.  Bd.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Edwards,  Joseph,  Is.  2hd.     Lived  on  this  side  of  the  river. 

*Edwards,  Thomas.   Col.  Rec.  I  and  11. 

Elsen,  Abraham.     Col.  Rec.  L  477. 

Fenner,  Thomas.     Col.  Rec.  L  479. 

Ferris,  Jeffrey,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  232. 

Finch,  Abraham,  killed  by  the  Indians. 

Finch,  Daniel,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  232. 

Finch,  John,  killed  by  the  Indians. 

Fletcher,  John,  went  to  Milford,  d.  1662.     Lamb.  89. 

Flood,  Robert,  Is.  ^d.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Foster,  Nathaniel.    H.  P.  S.  164. 

Fowler,  John,  went  to  Guilford. 

FooTE,  Nathaniel,  d.  1644- 

FooTE,  Nathaniel,  Jr.,  bought  Colchester  of  the  Indians. 

*Francis,  Robert,  3s.  llfZ.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

GiBBS,  John,  went  to  New  Haven.     Gen.  Ren.  I.  157. 

*  Gilbert,  Josiah.     Lived  on  this  side  of  the  river. 

Gildersleeve,  Richard,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  232. 

*GoODRiCH,  John,  Sen'r,  7s.  Sd.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

*Goodrich,  Ensign  [Wm.]  9s.  6d.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

*Goofe,  Philip,  whence  Goofe's-brook. 

Graves,  John.    Col.  Rec.  I.  256. 

*Graves,  Nathaniel,  2s,.  8ul.,  went  to  Springfield. 

*Griswold,  Michael,  4s.  lO^d.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Griswold,  Thomas,  Is.  7id.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Gunn,  Dr.  Jasper,  went  to  Milford,  d.  1670.     Lamb.  89. 

*Hale,  Samuel,  Sen'r,  went  to  Norwalk,  but  returned. 

*Hale,  Samuel,  Jr.     Lived  on  this  side  of  the  river. 

*Hale,  John,  2s  2d.     Lived  on  this  side  of  the  river. 

Hansett,  Thomas.     H.  P.  S.  165. 

Harris,  Richard.    H.  P.  S.  164. 

Hairrson,  John.     H.  P.  S.  164. 

Harvey,  Edtvard,  went  to  Milford,  d.  1648.     Lamb.  89. 

Hatly,  Philip,  went  to  Milford.     Lamb.  89. 

Highland,  George,  went  to  Guilford. 

Hilter,  John.     H.  P.  S.  165. 

HoLLiSTER,  John,  Sen'r,  6s.  llhd.     Lived  on  this  side  of  the  river. 

Hollister,  John,  Jr.  10s.  4i  J.     Lived  on  this  side  of  the  river. 

Hollister,  Joseph.     Lived  on  this  side  of  the  river. 

Hollister,  Thomas,  amount  of  tax  torn  off. 

Hubbard,  George,  went  to  Milford  and  Guilford.     L.  89,91. 

Hubbard,  Thomas.     H.  P.  S.  164. 


45 

Ilunn,  Nathaniel,  Is.  \\(l.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

*HuKLKUUT,  Thomas,  bs.  Ad.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Ireland,  Samuel.     H.  P.  S.  164. 

.Ta(jger,  Jeremiah,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  232. 

Jessup,  John,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  18. 

John.son,  Jacob,  3.v.  7J(/.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Johnson,  Johri.     H.  P.  S.  164. 

*Keeney,  Alexander.     H.  P.  S.  165. 

KiLBOiiN,  Frances,  Wid.    Llived  this  side  the  river. 

*KiLBOKN,  John,  8.s-.  5d.     Lived  this  side  of  the  river. 

*KiMBERLY^  Eleazer,  2s.  6  5  J.     Llvcd  this  side  of  the  river. 

Kirbe,  John.    H.  P.  S.  165. 

*Kirkham,  Thomas.     Col.  I.  263. 

Landon,  Andrew.     H.  P.  S.  165. 

Lane,  John,  went  to  Milford,  d.  1669.     Lamb.  89. 

Lake,  Hitchcock  [?  Luke  Hitchcock  ?] 

Lattimore,  John,  Wid.  16s.  lOhd.    Lived  this  side,  a  while. 

Lawrence,  Thomas,  went  to  Milford,  d.  1648.     Lamb.  89. 

Law,  Richard,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  232. 

Lilly,  John.   H.  P.  S.  165. 

Lord,  Thomas.     Col.  Rec.  H.  83. 

*Martin,  Mr.  Sen'r,  2s.  9(Z.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Mason,  Edward,     H.  P.  S.  165.     Col.  Rec.  I.  57. 

Miller,  John.    H.  P.  S.  165. 

Mitchell,  Matthew,  went  to  Stamford.     II.  P.  232. 

Montague,  Richard.     H.  P.  S.  165. 

*Morris,  William,  amount  of  tax  torn  off. 

Munn,  Benjamin.     H.  P.  S.  165. 

Northend,  John,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  18. 

Norton,  Francis.    Col.  Rec.  I.  97. 

*Nott,  John,  7s.  6^/-     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Palmer,  John,  Col.  Rec.  L  308. 

Parke,  Robert,  went  to  New  London.     Caulk.' 66. 

Pierce,  Edward.    H.  P.  S.  165. 

Pierce,  John.    H.  P.  S.  165. 

Plumb,  John,  went  to  New  London.     Caulk.  265. 

Plum,  Joseph.     H.  P.  S.  165. 

Prudden,  Rev.  Peter,     went  to  Milford,  d.  1656.     Lamb.  89, 

Rayner,  Thurston,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  232, 

Reynolds,  John.    H.  P.  S.  165. 

Richard,  James,  3s.  7hd.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Riley,  Richard.     H,  P,  S.  165. 

*RiLEY,  John,  Sen'r,  8s.  8^/.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Robbins,  John,  4s.  3id.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Robbins,  Joshua,  3s.  6ld.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury  1673. 

Rose,  Robert.    H.  P.  S.  165.    Col.  Rec,  L  43. 


46 

*Rose,  Daniel,  35.  3d.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 
Russel,  John,  went  to  Hadley.     H.  P.  97. 
Eussel,  Rev.  John,  Jr.,  went  to  Hadley.     H.  P.  97. 
*Sadler,  John.     Lived  this  side  the  river. 
Sanford,  Thomas,  went  to  Milford,  d.  1681.     Lamb.  89. 
Scot,  John,  Os.  lOid.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury. 
Seaman,  John,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  19.  • 

Seeley,  Robert.     H.  P.  S.  155. 

Sherman,  Rev.  John,  went  to  Milford  and  Watertown. 
Sherman,  Joseph,  owned  land  in  Glastenbury,  1673. 
Sherman,  Samuel,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  232. 
Smiking,  Vincent,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  18. 
Smith,  Rev.  Henry,  first  minister  Wethersfield  and  Glastenbury. 
Smith,  Henry,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  10. 
*Smith,  Jonathan,  5s.  Old.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 
*SmIth,  Joseph. 

Smith,  Philip,  went  to  Hadley.     H.  P.  97. 
Smith,  Philip,  lis.  Of/.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 
Smith,  Samuel,  Sen'r,  went  to  Hadley.     H.  P.  97. 
*Smith,  Richard,  Sen'r,  10s.  4u/.     Owned  land  in  Glastenbury  and 
Eastbury,  1673. 

*Smith,  Richard,  Jr.     Col.  Rec.  H.  520. 

Smith,  William.     Col.  Rec.  I  128. 

Spencer,  Obadiah,  Is.  \lld.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury. 

*Standish,  Thomas,  5s.  Od.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Stanton,  Thomas.     H.  P.  S.  165. 

Stoddar,  John,  Is.  7k/.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Stoddar,  Joshua,  Is.  4f/.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  16  73. 

Stoddar,  widow,  3s.  6f/.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Stott,  Edward.     H.  P.  S.  165. 

SwAiNE,  William,  went  to  Branford.     Gen.  Reg.  HI.  154. 

Taintor,  Charles.     H.  P.  S.  165. 

Talcott,  John.    Lived  in  Hartford. 

*Talcott,  Samuel,  9s.  llid.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  16  73. 

*Taylor,  William.     H.  P.  S.  165. 

Thomson,  John,  owned  land  in  Glastenbury  1673. 

Tinker,  John.     Col.  Rec.  L  82.  etc. 

Tompkins,  Micah,  went  to  Milford. 

Tracy,  Thomas.     H.  P.  S.  165. 

*Treat,  James,  10s.  6^f/.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

*Treat,  Richard,  Sen'r,  went  to  Milford. 

*Treat,  Richard,  Jr.,  8s.  5f/.     Lived  this  side  the  river. 

Treat,  Robert,  went  to  Milford. 

Trott,  Richard.     Col.  Rec.  I.  75. 

Turner,  Ephraim.    H.  P.  S.  165. 


47 

Uffoot,  Thomas,  went  to  Milford — name  now  Ujford. 

*\Vaddams,  John,  4s.  4.^(1.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury. 

Wakely,  Goodman. 

Waterhouse,  Jacob.    Col.  Rec.  I.  40,  etc. 

Ward,  Andreiv,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  232. 

Warner,  William,  2*'.  Gd.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Wastecoat,  Richai-d.     Col.  Rec.  I.  40.  etc. 

Weekes,  Thomas,  went  to  Hadley  but  returned. 

Welles,  Mr.  Sen'r,  Is.  Id.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1G73. 

*  Welles,  Hugh,  4s.  lOd.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 
Welles,  Robert. 

Welles,  John,  6s.  2d.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

*Welles,  Samuel,  8s.  7 id.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Welles,  Thomas,  went  to  Hadley.     H.  P.  97. 

W^estfall,  Richard.    H.P.  S.  165. 

WniTMORE,  John,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  232. 

*Wiokliam,  Thomas,  Sen'r,  5s.  3d.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Wickham,  Thomas,  Jr.,  Is.  llrf.     Lived  this  side,  probably. 

*WiLLAKD,  JosiAS,  4s.  4d.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Willis,  George,  [of  Hartford.] 

Willis,  Samuel,  10s.  Od.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Williams,  Amos,  Is.  lljr/.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1073. 

Williams,  Thomas,  3s.  Od.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Wood,  Jonas,  Jr.,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  18. 

Wood,  Jeremiah,  went  to  Stamford.    H.  P.  18. 

Wood,  Jonas,  Sen'r,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  232. 

Wood,  Edmund,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  18. 

Wright,  Anthony,  2s.  Id.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

*  Wright,  [James,]  6s.  Id.     Lived  on  the  island. 
♦Wright,  [Joseph,]  3s.  10(7.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 
*Wright,  Samuel,  5s.  5d.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1673. 
*Wright,  Thomas,  Sen'r. 

*Weight,  Thomas,  Jr.,  6s.  Od.     Owned  land  in  Eastbury,  1073. 

Yates,  Francis,  went  to  Stamford.     H.  P.  18. 

Wolcott,  Henry,  8s.  6d,     Owned  laud  in  Eastbury,  1673. 

Additional  names  subsequent  to  1673. 
Ben.jamin,  Caleb,  80  acres, — 1674;  from  the  Town. 
LovELAND,  Thomas,  80  acres, — 1674;  from  the  Town. 
Parsons,  Joseph,  80  acres, — 16  74  ;  from  the  Town. 
Brattle,  Thomas,  80  acres, — 1674  ;  from  the  Town. 

REV.  JOSEPH  ROWLANDSON,  1677-1678. 
Rev.  Joseph  Rowlandson  succeeded  Mr.  Bulkley.     Mr. 
R.  was  son  of  Mr.  Thomas  R.  born  in  England,  graduated 


48 

at  Harvard  1652,  being  the  whole  of  the  graduating  class. 
He  was  settled  at  Lancaster,  Mass,  in  1656,  where  he  re- 
mained until  the  burning  of  that  town  in  1676.  He  was  in- 
staUed  at  Wethersfield,  in  1677,  and  died  Nov.  24th,  1678. 
While  in  his  senior  year  in  College,  ]\Ir.  R.  was  guilty  of 
writing  a  severe  satire  upon  Etivy,  in  which  the  authorities 
of  the  land  were  not  treated  with  any  great  degree  of  respect, 
and  which  he  caused  to  be  affixed  to  the  door  of  the  meet- 
ing-house in  Ipswich.  For  this  he  was  arrested,  charged 
with  publishing  a  "  scandalous  libel,"  fined  X 10,  and  cost, 
3O5.  to  be  paid  at  a  certain  time,  or  to  be  whipt  at  the  post. 
He  married  the  daughter  of  ]VIr.  John  White  of  Lancaster,  by 
whom  he  had  several  children.  On  the  10th  of  February, 
1676,  a  large  body  of  Indians  attacked  Lancaster,  burning 
the  town  and  taking  the  people  captive.  Among  these  were 
Mrs.  R.  and  the  children.  Mr.  R.  himself  being  absent  from 
home  escaped.  His  son  Joseph,  born  March  7th,  1661,  died 
January  22d,  1712,  lived  in  Wethersfield,  and  his  descend- 
ants were  there  for  at  least  a  century.* 

KEY.  JOHN  WOODBRIDGE,  1679—1691. 

Mr.  John  Woodbridge  succeeded  Mr.  Rowlandson  in 
1679,  and  was  minister  of  the  place  until  his  death  in  1691. 
IVIi-.  John  Woodbridge  was  son  of  an  English  clergyman 
born  at  Stanton,  England,  1613,  came  to  America  in  1634, 
and  was  settled  at  Newbury,  1635.  He  married  Mary, 
daughter  of  Governor  Dudley  of  Massachusetts,  by  whom 
he  had  twelve  children.  Of  these  John,  born  at  Newbury, 
graduated  at  Harvard,  1664  ;  settled  at  Killingly,  Conn.  1664, 
and  removed  to  Wethersfield,  1679.  His  brother  Timothy, 
born  1656,  graduated  at  Harvard,  1674 ;  settled  at  Hartford, 
1685,  where  he  remained  until  his  death,  April  30th,  1732. 
He  married  Mehitabel,  daughter  of  Hezekiah  Wyllis,  and 
had  a  son  Ashbel,  of  whom  we  shall  have  occasion  hereafter 
to  speak,  as  minister  of  Glastenbury. 

Mr.  John  Woodbridge,  left  a  son  John,  the  seventh  of  the 

*Aiii.  Q.  Reg.  Vol.  IX.  112-115,  and  authorities  there  cited. 


49 

name  in  as  many  generations,  who  had  been  in  the  ministry. 
J.  W.  the  7th,  was  graduated  at  Harvard,  1694,  settled  at 
West  Springfield,  Mass.  1698,  and  died  June,  1718,  aged  40. 
He  married  Jemima  Elliot,  daughter  of  Rev.  Joseph  Elliot, 
and  grand-daughter  of  John  Eliot  the  Apostle  to  the  Indians, 
Nov.  1699.  He  left  several  children,  of  whom  two  sons  en- 
tered the  ministry:  John  Woodbridge  the  8th — graduated  at 
Yale,  1726,  settled,  first  at  Windsor,  and  then  at  South  Had- 
ley,  died  1783;  and  Benjamin  W.— graduated  at  Yale,  1740, 
settled  at  Woodbridge,  died  1785.* 

It  was  during  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Woodbridge  that  Glas- 
tenbury  became  a  Town.  Wethersfield  had  been  enlarged 
in  1673,  by  the  purchase  of  Eastbury,  permission  having  been 
given  by  the  General  Court  to  do  it,  and  a  very  large  share 
.  remaining  unappropriated.  In  1667,  permission  had  been 
given  to  Thomas  Harris  to  build  a  saw-mill  beyond  the  three 
mile  lots,  and  to  have  forty  acres  of  land  for  the  conven- 
ience of  timber  and  the  like.  This  grant  having  been  con- 
veyed to  Joseph  Bull  and  John  Bidwell,  Jr.,  the  Gen.  Court 
in  1669,  added  two  hundred  acres  more  to  the  grant  from  the 
same  territory.  In  1668,  the  Gen.  Court  confirmed  to  Mr. 
Willis  a  hundred  acres  of  land  which  he  bought  of  Robert 
Boltwood,  to  whom  it  was  given  by  an  "  Indian  named 
Rechaun,  and  the  year  following,  (1669,)  the  court  granted 
to  Mr.  Josiah  Williard  100  acres  of  land  to  be  laid  out  at 
AssAWASSuc.  In  1670,  the  Court  extended  Mr.  Willis'  land 
a  mile  further  east;  and  all  the  other  lots  twenti/  rods  east, 
as  compensation  for  six  rods  in  width  to  be  taken  for  a  pub- 
lic highway  from  Hartford  to  Middletown.  Tarrumuggas  had 
also  sold  or  given  to  Thomas  Edwards  two  hundred  acres  of 
land  ;  which  it  is  believed  were  the  only  grants  in  Eastbury, 
previous  to  its  purchase  by  the  Town.f 

The  settlements  on  this  side  of  the  river,  which  were  com- 


*  Coffin's  Newb.  35S.  Gen  Reg.  January,  1S53.  Trumb.  H.  C.  492.  Good. 
F.  G.  XX.     Port.  Hart.  2-3,  24.     Sprague's  His.  Dis.  Springfield,  20,  27,  53,  54. 

fT.  C.  R.  n.  78,  91,  97,  111,  124,  133,  144,  1.5.5,  171.  1S7.  Conn.  S.  P.  T. 
and  L.  VI.  39. 


50 

menced  previously  to  1650,  and  numbered  several  household- 
ers before  1653,  proceeded  slowly  until  the  close  of  the  In- 
dian war  of  1675-6,  when  they  received  an  impulse  that 
appears  to  have  caused  them  to  increase  with  rapidity,  so 
that,  before  1690,  there  were  between  thirty  and  forty  house- 
holders here.  In  1689,  these  petitioned  the  Town  for  per- 
mission to  be  set  off  as  a  distinct  Town,  as  appears  from  the 
following  vote. 

INCORPORATION  OF  GLASTENBURY. 

Vote  of  Wether sfield. 

"  At  a  Town  meeting  held  at  Wethersfield,  Dec.  26,  1689,  it  was  voted 
and  agreed  as  follows,  viz.  [the  original  orthography  not  copied.] 

"  That  whereas  our  neighbors  on  ye  E.  side  of  the  Great  River  desire  to 
be  discharged  from  bearing  their  part  of  the  charge  of  Pubhc  Worship  here 
in  order  to  the  setting  up  of  the  same  amongst  them — this  Town  having  con- 
sidered the  same,  do  see  cause  so  far  to  grant  their  request,  as  to  declare,  that 
in  case  the  General  Court,  (on  their  application  to  them  [it]  on  sd  ace.) 
shall  see  cause  to  grant  them  on  the  East  side  of  the  Great  River — all  the 
lands  now  belonging  to  our  Town  on  that  sd  of  the  River,  to  be  a  township, — 
and  the  inhabitants  there  shall  relinquish  all  their  common  rights  on  this  West 
side  of  the  Great  River  as  inhabitants  here,  reserving  each  man's  pai'ticular 
right  here,  and  each  person  with  us  reserving  his  particular  right  there  on 
the  sd  East  side ;  and  also  that  the  s^  inhabitants  shall  continue  part  of  this 
township,  and  shall  contribute  their  proportion  to  all  publick  charges  with 
us  til  such  time  as  they  shall  have  an  allowed  minister  settled  among  them ; 
then,  for  their  comfort  and  convenience  we  are  contented  to  consent  to  their 
request  that  they  may  be  a  township."* 

PETITION  TO  THE  GENERAL  COURT. 
As  preparatory  to  petitioning  the  General   Court  for  an 
Act  of  incorporation,  the  following  document  was  prepared 
and  signed,  to  be  laid  before  that  body. 

"  February :  13  :  1690.  Att  a  metting  of  the  inhabitanus  one  the  east  sid 
of  the  grat  Revuer  blonging  to  weatheresfild  it  was  agred  that  the  maetting 
hous  shold  stand  uppon  John  hubbords  land  one  Samuell  Smith  his  plaine 
[or  what  is  now  the  Green]  the  a  boue  said  Samuel  Smith  and  John  hubbord 
doe  ingage  to  ^ue  land  conuenentt  for  metting  hous  as  witinis  ours  hands. 

•W.  R.  T.  V.  106, 


51 

epherime  goodridg,  Richard  Smith, 

Joseph  Smith,  John  holister, 

John  harinton,  Jonathan  Smith, 

Thomas  bruer,  Samuel  hall  Jr.,  (Hale) 

ebnezer  hall,  (Hale)  Samuel  Smith, 

John  Strickland,  John  hubbord, 

John  hall,  (Hale)  Joseph  hills, 

William  hous,  John  Kilbornn, 

samuell  hall,  sen'r,  (Hale)  Samuel  welles, 

patrack  stearne,  "                 Thomas  hall,  (Hale) 

Richard  Treatt,sener,  Richard  Treat,  Jr. 

Thomas  Treatt,  william  wickham, 
This  is  true  copi  of  the  couenent  mad  february  the  13,  1690.     Substract- 

ed  out  of  the  originall  may  the  4,  1692."* 

CHANGES  FROM  1690  TO  1693. 

This  list  does  not  include  all  the  householders  then  living 
on  this  side  of  the  river.  At  the  final  perfecting  of  the  act 
of  incorporation,  by  the  building  of  a  meeting  house,  in  1693, 
the  names  of  John  Harrington,  Ebenezer  Hale,  Richard 
Treat,  Sen'r  and  Jr.,  with  Richard  Smith,  disappear;  Samuel 
Hall  ceases  to  be  Jr.  on  account  of  the  death  of  his  father, 
and  we  have  besides,  Jonathan  and  Benjamin  Hale,  Deac. 
Thomas  HoUister,  Joseph  HoUister,  Sen'r  and  Jr.,  Benjamin 
Smith,  Thomas  Loveland,  Joseph  Bidwell,  Richard  Fox, 
Nathaniel  Talcott,  Deac.  Benjamin  Talcott,  Thomas  Klm- 
berly,  Daniel  Wright,  David  HoUister,  Edward  Benton, 
Samuel  Miller,  Samuel  Gaines,  and  Ephraim  HoUister.  The 
number  of  householders  in  1693,  must  have  been  about 
thirty-four.  These  having  petitioned  the  General  Court  in 
the  May  following,  obtained  an 

Act  of  Incorporation,  in  the  following  curious  terms. 

"  At  a  General  Court  held  at  Hartford,  May  8th,  1690  ;— 
AVhereas  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Wethersfield,  on  the  East  side  of 
Connecticut  river,  by  the  consent  of  the  inhabitants  of  said  Town  did  peti- 
tion this  Court  that  they  may  be  a  township  of  themselves  on  the  East  side  of 
Connecticut  river,  and  may  have  liberty  to  provide  a  minister  for  themselves, 
which  the  Town  haue  granted  to  their  neighbours  on  the  East  side.  This 
Court  see  reason  to  grant  their  petition,  but  advise  them  to  be  cautious  how 


•G.  Rec.  I.  1. 


52 

they  improve  it,  and  that  they  shall  pay  their  fair  proportion  to  all  public 
charges  to  said  Wethersfield,  till  they  have  a  good  orthodox  minister  settled 
among  them  there  on  the  East  side  of  Connecticut  river  in  Wethersfield." 

JOHN  ALLYN, 

Secretary." 

REV.  TBIOTHY  STEVENS,  1693-1726. 
The  first  organization  under  this  act,  took  place  July  28th, 
1692,  when  a  call  was  given  to  Rev.  Timothy  Stevens  to 
settle  among  them  in  the  work  of  the  Gospel  ministry,  at 
X60  a  year.  The  call  was  accepted  by  Mr.  Stevens,  who 
had  been  preaching  some  months  previously  in  "  Glassin- 
bury"  as  he  was  accustomed  to  write  the  name.  No  records 
of  his  ministry  are  known  to  exist,  nor  are  the  traditions  of 
the  man  as  distinct  and  vivid  as  might  have  been  expected. 
He  seems,  however,  to  have  been  a  quiet,  discreet,  peace  lov- 
ing man,  faithful  in  his  office,  but  not  specially  energetic  in 
those  departments  not  immediately  connected  with  his  pro- 
fession. The  following  account  of  the  salary  paid  him,  and 
the  manner  in  which  it  was  paid,  gathered  out  of  the  Town 
Records,  affords  convincing  evidence  of  his  conciliatory  dis- 
position. It  certainly  required  no  little  equanimity  of  mind 
and  spirit,  not  be  disturbed  when,  as  1715,  the  town  chatrged 
him  two  shillings  a  bushel  more  for  wheat  paid  on  his  salary, 
than  they  allowed  for  it  on  taxes ;  and  one  shilling  a  bushel 
more  for  corn  and  rye.  The  records,  however,  furnish  no 
account  of  complaint  or  remonstrance  on  his  part.  He  seems 
to  have  permitted  his  people  to  pay  him  what,  and  when, 
and  as  they  pleased.  Nor  does  he  seem  to  have  suffered  in 
the  end,  by  so  doing,  if  we  may  judge  from  the  extent  of  his 
property  and  possession.  The  parsonage,  so  called,  near  the 
meeting-house,  with  several  acres  of  land  in  the  vicinity, — a 
considerable  tract  on  the  meadows, — four  hundred  acres  at 
Red  Hill,  and  one  hundred  and  fifty  acres  adjoining  Middle- 
town  bounds, — and  one  hundred  acres  at  Diamond  Pond, 
was  the  list  of  his  real  estate. 


53 


SALARY    OF    REV.    TIMOTHY    STEVENS. 


1692, 


£60 


1693, 
1694, 

1696, 

169S, 

1704, 
1707, 

1708, 

1711, 
1712, 
1713, 

1714, 
1715, 

1716, 
1717, 

1718, 
1719, 

1720, 

1721, 

1722, 

1723, 
1724, 
1725, 


GO 


60 


100 

100 


100 
100 


100 
100 


90 

80 

90 

SO 
90 

90 
90 
90 


■2s  6d 


2s  Gd 


"  Current  money."  If  he  remains,  "  will  give 
him  a  good  home  lot,  build  him  a  suitable  house, 
and  give  him  five  acres  of  meadow  land."  Also 
"  one  hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  undivided  land." 
Given  also  by  John  HoUister  two  acres  Reekie 
Hill  meadow. 

Mr.  Treat,  two  acres  of  meadow  adjoining. 

Ephraim  Goodrich,  one  acre  of  meadow. 

Joseph  Hill  one  acre  of  meadow. 

Jonathan  Smith  half  of  an  acre  of  meadow. 

John  Hubbard  an  acre. 

Samuel  Smith  part  of  an  orchard,  or  two  acres, 
of  meadow. 

Thomas  Hale,  £5  current  pay. 

William  Wickhym,  £5  current  pay. 

Thomas   Brewer,  40  shillings  current  pay. 

Town  voted  to  add  £10  per  annum  to  the  sala- 
ry of  Mr.  S.  after  five  years. 

Town  to  build  Mr.  S.  "a  girt  dwelling-house 
40  feet  by  20,  with  a  good  stack  of  cliinineys, — 
Mr.  S.  finding  nails  and  glass." 

"  Every  man  that  hath  a  team  shall  bring  Mr. 
S.  two  loads  of  wood  annually." 

"  John  Kilborn  and  Tho.  Hale  Sen'r  to  supply 
Mr.  S.  with  wood,  and  to  be  allowed  £7,  10s." 

"Those  who  have  teams,  to  bring  wood;  those 
who  have  not,  to  cut." 

"  Men  who  do  not  comply  with  the  above  to 
pay  2s,  6d,  for  a  man,  and  5s  for  a  team." 

At  2s,  6^^,  a  load,  those  who  fail,  fined  3s. 

Wood  the  same  as  last  year. 

Wood  as  last  year  except  allowing  only  2s  a 
load. 

"  In  lieu  of  £70  formerly  agreed  upon." 

Towne  "rate  to  be  paid  in  Bills  of  credit,  silver 
money  or  W.  4s,  R.  3s,  and  G.  2s,  per  bushel." 

"  Wood  2s  this  year,  2s,  6c^  next." 

"  Those  that  cannot  pay  grain  at  sd  price,  shall 
pay  the  whole  in  money  without  abatement  of 
one  third." 

"  Wood  to  be  brought  as  usual,  select  men  to 
view  it." 

*'  Those  who  cannot  pay  grain  to  pay  money." 

On  Town  rate  this  year.  "  W.  5s,  R.  3s,  Hd,  I. 
C.  half  a  crown." 

"  To  be  paid  in  the  specioe  at  the  prices  of  last 
year." 

"To  be  in  specices  as  was  agreed  last  year." 

"  Those  that  don't  pay  grain  to  pay  mon- 
ey." 

"  Grain  or  money." 

"  Grain  at  these  prices  to  be  rec'd  by  Town." 
I      "  As  agreed  last  year." 


54 

Rev.  Timothy  Stevens,  was  son  of  Timothy  S.  of  Rox- 
bury,  Mass. — was  graduated  at  Harvard,  1687,  commenced 
preaching  in  Glastenbury,  April  17th,  1692,  old  style,  (April 
27th,  new  style) — called  to  settle  in  July  of  the  same  year, 
and  ordained  as  soon  after,  as  the  completion  of  the  meeting 
house  would  allow,  that  is,  in  October,  1693.  He  married 
for  his  first  wife,  Eunice  Chester,  daughter  of  Mr.  John 
Chester  of  Wethersfield,  May  17th,  1694,  by  whom  he  had 

"Timothy,  born  Saturday  night,  March  23d,  1695,  died  April,  1695. 
Sarah,  born  March  19,  1696,— died  Sejit.  25th,  1717. 
John,   born  June  4th,  1698,  and  died  the  same  month." 

His  wife  died  June  16th,  1698. 

On  the  9th  of  May,  1701,  he  married  Alice  Cook,  daugh- 
ter of  Joseph  Cook  of by  whom  he  had : 

"John,  born  Sunday  night,  Sept.  13th,  1702,  died  Aug.  30,  1717. 
Eunice,  born  Sept.  14th,  1704,  and  died  19th  of  the  same  month. 
Martha,  born  Sept.  6th,  1705,  died  Nov.  7th,  1717. 
Twin  sons,  born  Sept.  8th,  1707,  died  at  one  day  old. 
Timothy,  born  Saturday  night,  July  9th,  1709. 
Joseph,  born  Aug.  15th,  1711. 
Benjamin,  born  March,  1714." 

Rev.  Mr.  Stevens  died  April  14th,  1726,  in  the  sixty-first 
year  of  his  age. 

The  family  of  Mr.  Stevens  continued  to  reside  in  Glasten- 
bury. Benjamin  married  Deborah  Dickinson,  May  11th, 
1732,  and  had  Benjamin,  b.  January  22d,  1734,  and  Deborah, 
b.  February  5th,  1736. 

Joseph  married  Mary  Treat,  daughter  of  Capt.  Thomas 
Treat,  and  had  Joseph,  October  29th,  1733.  Mrs.  S.  died 
February  12th,  1735,  and  Mr.  Stevens  married  Jerusha  Stow, 
daughter  of  Thomas  Stow  of  Middletown,  October  14th, 
1736,  and  had,  Thomas  b.  July  5th,  1739  ;  Mary  and  Jerusha, 
b.  March  16th,  1741 ;  Samuel,  b.  Nov.  1st,  1742;  Elijah,  b. 
Nov.  15th,  1744 ;  Mary,  b.  Sept.  5th,  1746 ;  Elisha,  b.  Oct. 
1st,  1748;  David,  b.  Oct.  10th,  1750;  Jonathan,  b.  Oct.  4th 
1752;  Jerusha,  b.  January  10th,  1754;  James,,  b.  Aug.  10th, 
1757  ;  Peter,  b.  May  6th,  1759,  and  Ashbel,  b.  June  5th,  1761. 


55 

Timothy  married  Hannah  Orris,  Oct.  6th,  1743,  and  had 
Timothy,  b.  Sept.  9th,  1744,  and  Martha,  b.  Sept.  20th,  1746. 
Mr.  S.  died  Feb.  3d,  1746,  and  October  9th,  1750,  hi^^  widow 
married  Joseph  Smith  1st.  The  early  records  of  this  family 
are  better  kept  than  most  of  them,  and  we  give  the  descent 
of  one  family,  as  indicating  the  number  of  generations  that 
have  elapsed  since  the  incorporation  of  the  town. 

1.  Timothy  S. m.  Alice  Cook,  May  9th,  1701. 

2.  Joseph,  b.  Aug.  15th,  1711,  m.  Jerusha  Stow,  Oct.  14th,  1736. 

3.  Thomas,  b.  July     5th,  1739,  m.  Mary  Tryon,  Feb.  10th,  1703. 

4.  Joseph,  b.  July     9th,  17G7,  m.  Mehitable  Hale,  Dec.  31st,  1795. 

5.  Daniel,  b.  Feb.  25th,  180G,  m.  Alma  Strickland. 

During  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Stevens,  the  civil  polity  of  the 
Town  was  brought  into  systematic  form,  and  settled  upon  a 
permanent  basis.  In  doing  this  they  had  the  counsel  of 
Hon.  Gershom  Buckley,  thongh  then  disabled  from  active 
duty,  of  whom  we  haye  already  spoken.  Also  of  Hon.  Elea- 
ZAR  KiMBERLY,  the  first  male  child  born  in  the  Colony  of 
New  Haven,  Secretary  of  this  Colony  from  1696  to  1709 
and  Clerk  of  this  Town  from  1692,  to  his  death,  Dec.  3d, 
1709,  in  the  seventy-first  year  of  his  age ;  and  of  others 
hardly  less  prominent. 

Name  of  the  Town. 
One  evidence  of  the  design  and  intention  of  those  who 
first  gave  form  and  shape  to  things  in  Glastenbury,  as  a 
Town  distinct  by  itself,  is  furnished  by  the  name  selected  by 
the  inhabitants  for  the  new  Town,  and  approved  by  the  Gen- 
eral Court  in  1692.  This  name,  in  connection  with  the  very 
strong  and  decided  measures  adopted  in  favor  of  public 
worship,  and  public  education,  immediately  after  the  incor- 
poration of  the  town,  warrants  the  belief,  that  the  design 
and  the  hope  were  entertained,  of  making  Glastenbury  in 
Connecticut,  in  comparison  with  other  towns  about  it,  what 
Glastonbury  in  England  had  been  for  many  ages  to  the  parts 
of  England  about  that.  The  celebrity  of  Glastonbury  in 
England,  both  in  religion  and  learning,  begins  with  its  con- 
version to  Christianity,  which  took  place  at  a  very  early  period, 


56    ^ 

probably  within  the  first  century.*  The  English  historians 
of  the  middle  ages  agree  in  supposing  that  the  first  building 
in  the  world,  erected  expressly  for  a  Christian  Church,  was 
erected  in  Glastonbury.  Whether  this  be  true  or  not,  in  re- 
gard to  the  world,  there  can  be  little  doubt  that  the  first 
Christian  Church  in  England,  was  erected  in  that  place. 
The  building  is  said  to  have  been  sixty  feet  long,  and  twenty- 
six  feet  wide,  and  to  have  been  composed  of  rods  woven  or 
wattled  together.!  The  present  name  is  Anglo-Saxon ;  de- 
rived from  Glaeh,  glass,  whence  come  glasting  and  glisten- 
ing, and  from  byrig,  a  town.  The  name  therefore,  properly 
signifies,  Glistening-town,  thereby  seeming  to  denote  its  pre- 
eminence above  the  places  in  its  vicinity.  The  previous 
British  name  was  Ynys-wvdryn,  which  may  signify  either 
Island  of  glass,  or  Green  Island;  and  also  Ynys-afallon, 
Apple  Island;  the  last  of  which  has  been  Latinized  into  Aval- 
loaia,\  as  Glastonbury  has  been  Latinized  into  Glastonia. 
Some  of  the  same  historians  have  preserved  a  tradition,  that 
Joseph  of  Arimathea  with  his  son  and  ten  other  companions 
preached  the  faith  of  Christ  in  Britain,  A.  D.  63,  and  Wil- 
liam of  Malmesbury,  who  wrote  The  Antiquities  of  Glaston- 
bury, about  A.  D.  1140,  says  that  the  Church  was  built  by 
Joseph  and  his  associates. §  The  Church  having  fallen  into 
something  of  decay  in  the  eighth  century,  it  was  rebuilt  by 
Ina,  king  of  the  West  Saxons,  about  A.  D.  730,  with  great 
splendor,  richly  endowed,  made  a  monastery,  and  for  several 
centuries  was  among  the  first  of  the  seats  of  learning  in 
England,  and  even  in  Europe.  It  was  again  rebuilt  by 
Henry  IL,  about  A.  D.  1170, ||  and  retained  its  celebrity  for  a 
long  time,  numbering  among  its   pupils,  many   of  the  first 


*  On  the  first  preaching  of  Chris,  in  Eng.  see  Chapin's  Prim.  Churcli,  [2cl.  ed.] 
pp    370-3S0. 

t  Fuller's  Ch.  H.  in  loco. 

X  Richards'  Geiriadur  Saesoneg.  A  Chymrag,  yi.  118.  Comp.  Bos.  Ang.  Sax. 
Xicx.  in  vocem  ;  Life  St.  Patrick,  91,  92.  The  British  name  Latinized,  was 
jlvallonia.     Parsons'  Three  Cove.  n.  25. 

§  Capgrave,  JoceHne,  and  Patrick,  in  Mason's  Vindic.   54-5G. 

II  Rog.  Wend.  I.  216.  Mahns.  Ant.  Glas.  in  Turner's  Hist.  Anglo-Sax.  I.  263. 
264      Ling.  Hist.  Eng.  L  134,  135. 


57 

men  of  England.*  This  was  the  Town  after  which  our 
own  was  named,  and  which  our  ancestors  desired,  and  de- 
signed, in  the  most  important  points  to  enmlate ;  the  proof 
of  which  will  appear,  as  we  consider  the  history  of  the  Church 
and  the  School.  We  may  also  add  that  the  presumption  is 
very  strong  that  several  of  the  leading  men  at  the  settlement 
of  the  Town,  came  from  Glastonbury  in  England.  The 
Welles's  were  no  doubt  originally  from  the  city  of  Wells,  in 
the  County  of  Somersetshire,  if  they  did  not  come  directly 
from  that  place  to  this  country ;  while  Glastonbury  was  an 
adjoining  town. 

General  History  of  tuis   Period. 

One  of  the  first  acts  of  this  Town,  was,  to  hold  out  induce- 
ments to  persuade  active  and  industrious  people  to  settle 
here,  by  giving  to  individuals  a  small  farm  out  of  the  com- 
mon land,  on  condition  that  they  improved  the  same  within 
a  given  number  of  years.  Decided  measures  were  also  taken 
to  prevent  the  unnecessary  or  wanton  destruction  of  valuable 
timber,  especially  such  as  would  be  needed  for  the  comfort 
or  convenience  of  the  inhabitants.  As  early  as  1700,  no  per- 
son was  allowed  to  cut  any  "  Candlewood,"  (Pine)  for  tar  or 
turpentine,  under  penalty  of  20s.  a  load,  and  forfeit  of  the 
wood. 

Xt  the  same  time,  a  mile  in  width,  running  through  the 
Town  from  north  to  south,  and  joining  the  three  mile  lots  on 
the  west,  was  set  out  as  a  public  common  forever.  Saw 
mills  were  also  erected  in  various  parts  of  the  Town,  at  its 
suggestion,  or  by  its  direction,  lands  being  given  for  ponds 
and  for  procuring  timber.  One  of  these,  authorized  by  vote 
of  the  Town,  Dec.  25th,  1712,  still  exists  at  Wassuc.  Swine 
were  restrained  or  permitted  to  go  at  large  according  to  the 
circumstances  of  the  times,  but  especially  in  reference  to  the 
abundance  of  "mast."  Bounties  were  offered  for  the  de- 
struction of  rattlesnakes;  committees  appointed  to  warn  ofi' 
intruders  upon  the  common  lands,  to  throw  down  the  bounds 

•Mason's  Vindic.  55. 


m 

and  demolish  the  fences  of  squatters;  the  Town  paying  all 
bills  of  expense  arising  therefrom.  Pains  was  also  taken  to 
improve  the  breed  of  cattle,  by  authorizing  the  selectmen  to 
procure  good  bulls  for  the  use  of  the  Town.  In  1732,  the 
number  was  "  seven,  three  for  the  Town  platt,  two  at  Nay- 
aug,  and  two  at  Eastbury." 

Growth  of  the  Town. 
The  increase  of  the  population  seems  to  have  been  more 
rapid  at  this  period,  than  could  have  been  expected.  In 
1693,  we  have  seen  there  were  thirty-four  householders,  and 
it  will  appear  from  documents  given  below,  that  in  1714, 
there  were  sixty-fonr  resident  tax  payers,  and  probably 
householders.  In  1723,  the  number  had  increased  to  one 
hundred  and  eighteen.  As  late  as  1757,  the  number  was  one 
hundred  and  ninety-one.  This  increase  of  population  was  so 
rapid,  that  the  meeting-house  which  had  been  built  in  1693, 
was  found  too  small  to  accommodate  the  people  as  early  as 
1706,  and  it  was  accordingly  voted  to  enlarge  the  same  "by 
galleries  or  leantoos,  as  the  committee  should  judge  most 
expedient."  What  order  was  first  observed  in  regard  to  seats 
in  the  meeting-house,  does  not  appear ;  but  in  1712,  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  "to  seat  the  meeting-house,"  and  a 
vote  passed  that  persons  not  sitting  in  the  seats  assigned  by 
the  committee,  should  pay  "a  fine  of  five  shillings  a  year." 
The  committee  finding  the  subject  attended  with  very  great 
difficulty,  declined  going  through  with  the  work;  in  conse- 
quence of  which  it  is  said  there  had  been  "great  disorders 
on  Sabbath  days,  and  other  days  of  Public  Worship,"  where- 
upon a  new  committee  was  appointed,  and  persons  refusing 
to  sit  in  the  seats  assigned  them  were  fined  ''''fifteen  shillings 
a  month.'^  What  kind  of  seats  were  employed  in  the  meet- 
ing-house is  no  vi^here  mentioned,  but  that  they  were  not  pews, 
is  evident  from  a  vote  passed  Dec,  1717,  permitting  Thomas 
Kimberly,  and  Richard  Goodrich '-'to  build  each  of  them  a 
pue  in  the  meeting-house."  But  while  the  Town  was  strict 
to  enforce  order,  it  was  not  unmindful  of  the  poor  and  the 
afflicted,  as   may  be  inferred  from  the  fact,  (among  other 


59 

things,)  that  in  1701,  it  was  voted  to  remit  "the  Town  and 
minister  tax,  of  John  Hale,  because  of  his  lameness."  With- 
in this  period,  Samuel  Emmons  "  beat  the  drum  on  the  Sab- 
bath," Thomas  Hall  was  the  »  Cordwainer,"  and  Thomas 
Hollister  «  the  weaver."  In  1714,  Thomas  Hale  was  "  ap- 
pointed to  keep  a  public  house  of  entertainment  to  travelers 
and  others,  for  the  year  ensuing,  and  until  this  Town,  by  their 
vote,  turn  him  out  of  that  trust." 

One  of  the  greatest  sources  of  trouble,  to  the  Town  at  this 
early  period,  was  the  settlement  of  its  boundaries,  especially 
between  this  Town  and  Hartford,  and  the  protection  of  its 
common  lands.  As  early  as  1701,  a  body  of  people  from 
Wethersfield  and  Hartford,  went  into  the  east  part  of  Glasten- 
bury  and  seizing  upon  undivided  public  lands,  appropriated 
them  to  their  own  private  use.  This  led  to  their  expulsion,  as 
already  stated,  and  seems  also  to  have  hastened  the  division 
of  the  common  land.  The  following,  embraces  the  land 
given  by  this  Town  to  individuals,  and  also  the  land  divided 
to  the  inhabitants  according  to  their  respective  lists,  in  1714, 
and  1723,  both  of  which  were  during  the  ministry  of  Mr. 
Stevens,  and  in  the  benefits  of  which  he  also  shared.  These 
enrollments  of  the  tax  payers  in  the  Town,  at  the  several 
times  mentioned,  together  with  their  respective  lists  of  prop- 
erty, give  us  the  best  idea  of  its  population  and  wealth  at 
the  times  mentioned,  that  can  now  be  any  where  obtained. 
It  is  the  only  clue  we  have  to  these  facts.* 

Grants  of  lands  in  Glastenbury,  made  in  Toivn  meeting, 
from  1692,  to  1726. 

(1)   Glastenhuri/,  place  not  limited. 
1692,  John  Kilborn,  160  acres,  "  adjoining  candlewood  plain." 
"     Abraham  Colt,  50  acres,  "  next  to  J.  Kilborn." 
"     Thomas  Brewer,  60  acres,  60r  by  8r  next  to  highway  at  end  of  3  m.  1. 

•  The  Lists,  ho\vever,  do  not  give  us  an  exact  valuation  of  property,  the 
price  of  every  article  being  fixed  by  Statute ;  horses  for  example,  all  went  in  at 
the  same  price,  and  so  of  every  thing  else. 


60 

1692,  Samuel  Brooks,  50  acres,  "  out  of  Town  land." 
"     Henry  Gosling,  50  acres,  "  out  of  Town  land." 
"     John  Waters,  50  acres,  "  out  of  Town  land." 
"     John  Hale,  "  land  formerly  granted  to  Tho.  Brewer." 

1694,  Thomas  Brewer,  50  acres,  "  S.  side  of  T.  next  Mr.  Stevens." 

1696,  Arthur  Beving,  5  acres,  "  lOr  by  SO"","  "  N.  side  of  his  farm." 
"     John  Hale,  10  acres,  "  S.  side  of  Town." 

"    John  Waters,  10  acres,  "  S.  side  of  Town." 
"     Patrick  Streen,  10  acres,  "  S.  side  of  Town." 

1697,  William  Johnson,  40  acres,  "Near  Nipsic  pond." 
"     John  House,  40  acres,  "  Near  Nipsic  pond." 

"     Thomas  Hale,  Jr.,  40  acres,  "  Near  Nipsic  pond." 

"     Robert  Loveland,  60  acres,  "  Near  Sadler's  Ordinary." 

"     Joseph  Try  on,  40  acres,  "  Side  of  former  grants  at  Nipsic." 

"     Patrick  Streen,  40  acres,  "  S.  of  former  grants  at  Nipsic." 

1698,  Thomas  Dickinson,  60  acres,  "  At  S.  bounds  near  Sad.  Ord." 
"     Simon  Couch,  60  acres,  "At  S.  bounds,  near  Sad.  Ord." 

"     Jonathan  Smith,  Sen'r,  100  acres,  "  To  be  taken  up  where  it  will  not 

be  prejudicial  to  the  Town." 
"     Richard  Fox,  Sen'r,  100  acres. 

"     Richard  Taphuth,  60  acres,  "  bounded  N.  on  Hartford  bounds." 
1700,  Simon  Couch,  60  acres,  "N.  of  Abr.  Colt,  in  lieu  of  lands  before 
granted."    Laid  out  1732,  IV.  87. 
"     Henry  Gosling,  50  acres. 
1706,  Arthur  Bevin,  48  acres. 

(2)   Glastenbury,  in  seco7id  jmrchase,  6000  acres. 

1707,  Dec.  25.  At  a  Town  meeting  held  this  day  Voted;  That  the  undi- 
vided lands  shall  be  divided  to  the  respective  inhabitants,  and  set  out  and 
allotted  to  them  proportionably  according  to  the  rates  this  present  year ;  always 
provided,  and  it  is  thus  understood,  viz.  those  that  have  already  had  these 
grants  of  lands,  that  their  said  grants  shall  be  deducted  out  of  their  proportion. 

"  At  a  general  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Glastenbury, 
January  27,  Anno  Domini  1714. 

"  Whereas  by  a  vote  of  this  town,  at  their  meeting,  December  25th,  1707, 
did  grant  that  the  undivided  land  in  this  town  should  be  divided,  and  set  out 
to  the  several  inhabitants,  proportionably  according  to  their  rates  that  present 
year,  &c.,  as  by  said  vote  more  fully  may  appear ; — and  whereas  the  said  rates 
be  lost,  and  by  other  inconveniences  attending  the  said  method  it  is  thereby  im- 
practicable. It  is  now  therefore,  by  this  meeting  unanimously  voted,  that 
some  part  of  the  said  undivided  or  common  land  shall  be  divided,  as  follow- 
eth,  that  is  to  say. — This  Town  do  now  by  their  vote  give  and  grant  unto  the 
several  inhabitants  of  this  town,  (or  their  heirs,)  who  were  inhabitants  and 
householders  in  this  town  when  this  town  first  became  a  body  politic,  [a  list 
of  which  is  contained  in  a  proprietor's  vote  of  1743,  copied  below]  viz.,  when 


61 

the  Meeting  House,  (in  -which  tlie  s<aid  inhabitants  of  the  said  town,  for  pub- 
lic worship  of  God,  do  meet)  was  erected  and  built;  [1G93,]  that  is  to  say, 
to  each  of  the  said  inhabitants,  house-holders  (or  their  heirs)  the  full  (quantity 
of  one  hundred  acres  of  the  said  common  undivided  land,  to  be  holdcn  to 
them  and  to  their  lieirs  and  assigns  forever,  (excepting  only  such  of  the  inhab- 
itants, householders,  who  have  heretofore  had  their  respective  grants  of  land 
from  this  Town,  which  said  inhabitants,  householders  (excepted)  are  exclu- 
ded from  any  benefit  of  this  above  grant  now  made. 

"  Mr.  Benjamin  Talcott,  and  Mr.  Nathaniel  Talcott,  are  to  be  deemed  one 
of  sd  householders  and  accordingly  to  have  in  the  same  tenure  one  hundred 
acres  of  land  as  abovesaid.  And  it  is  also  further  voted,  that  the  heirs  of 
Mr.  John  Ilollister,  dec'd, — the  heirs  of  Lt.  Samuel  Hale,  dec'd, — Mr.  Samuel 
Smith,  Capt.  Samuel  Welles,  Mr.  John  Hubbard  and  the  heirs  of  Mr.  Elea- 
zer  Kimberly,  Esip-.,  dec'd,  shall  have  more  than  the  rest  of  the  said 
inhabitants,  householders,  the  quantity  of  sixty  acres  of  the  said  land,  in 
the  tenure  above  said,  the  same  sixty  acres  being  in  consideration  of  their 
extraordinary  charges  and  good  service ;  which  inhabitants,  householders 
who  have  benefit  by  this  grant  are  as  follows,  viz. 

\_List  of  j)ersons  receiving  sixty  additional  acres.^ 

]Mr.  John  HoUister,  dec'd,  60  Joseph  Hill,  dec'd,  60 

Eleazer  Kimberly,  dec'd,  60  Mr.  Ephraim  Goodrich,  60 

Lt.  Samuel  Hale,  dec'd,  GO  Thomas  Hale,  Sen'r,  60 

Mr.  Samuel  Smith,  60  Dcac.  Jonathan  Smith,  60 

Capt.  Samuel  Welles,  60  Thomas  Loveland,  60 

Mr.  Thos.  Treat,  dec'd,  60  The  two  Mr.  Talcotts,  60 

Mr.  John  Hubbard,  60  Joseph  Smith,  Sen'r,  60 

William  Wickham,  60  Joseph  Bidwell,  dec'd,  60 

William  House,  dec'd,  60  John  Strickland,  60 

"  And  the  Town  at  the  same  meeting  by  their  unanimous  vote,  granted 
that  Six  Thousand  acres  more  of  the  said  common  or  undivided  land  shall  be 
divided,  granted,  and  given  unto  the  present  inhabitants  of  this  Town,  and  to 
be  divided  and  laid  out  to  them  respectively,  in  proportion  according  to  their 
several  lists  of  estate  for  the  year  1713  ;  To  have  and  to  hold  the  same,  to 
them  and  to  their  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  in  the  proportion  abovemention- 
cd.  And  the  Town  do  also  grant  to  Rev.  Mr.  Timothy  Stevens,  One  Hun- 
dred acres  more  of  the  said  common  or  undivided  land,  to  be  to  him  and  to 
his  heirs  and  assigns  forever." 


62 


"  The  names  of  persons  or  present  inhabitants  to  ivhom  the  above  six  thousand 
acres  of  land  is  granted,  is  as  follows."  [Tb  which  are  added  a  few  names 
omitted  in  the  list,  and  the  amount  of  each  person's  List  in  the  Grand  Levy 
of  the  Town,  1713.] 


NAMES. 

£. 

s. 

A.  R, 

[Rev.  T.  Stevens, 

1.50 
100 

Mr.  Samuel  Smith, 

13.5 

5 

i  452 

Wid.  Dorothy  Treat, 

127 

[Cha's  &D  Isaac  Treat, 

it 

138 
276 

Richard  Goodrich, 

55 

93 

John  HoUister, 

103 

10 

307 

Capt.  Samuel  Welles, 

190 

1 

480 

Thomas  Hollister, 

81 

15 

413 

Joseph  Hollister, 

99 

100 
198 

David  Hollister, 

49 

5 

120 
122 

Ephraim  Hollister, 

42 

15 

103 

Thomas  Bevin, 

18 

Samuel  Brooks, 

18 

86 

Samuel  Hodge, 

IS 

36 

Thomas  Loveland, 

18 

100 

[Thomas  Loveland,  Jr 

■) 

36 

Samuer  Loveland, 

29 

5S 

Tho.  Dickinson, 

113 

10 

226 

Samuel  Hale, 

104 

10 

160 
50 

(< 

259 

Thomas  Kimberly, 

G4 

160 

128 

Jonathan  Webster, 

35 

70 

70 

173 

Benj'n  Talcott, 

S6 

10 

" 

96 

Nathaniel  Talcott, 

G2 

174 

Thomas  Hale,  Sen'r, 

100 

[Tho.  Hale's  sons. 

209 

Thomas  Hale,  3d, 

43 

25 
50     6 

Thomas  Hale,  2d, 

54 

10 

97 
109 

[Jonathan  Smith, 

100 

Joseph  Smith,  Jr., 

42 

12 

85 

Gershom  Smith, 

47 

2 

95 

James  Welden, 

22 

15 

60 
36 

REMARKS.  Y.       B.        P. 

Mid.  bounds,"  1718  HI     40 

■  S.  E.  Diamond  Pond,"  1719  III     40 

1727  IV  140 


W.  Tarr-kills," 


1723  HI 
1723  HI 

1719  HI 
1723  HI 
1725  HI 

1720  HI 

1719  III 

1720  III 
1723  HI 
1723  IV 
1719  II 
1716  HI 
1719  HI 
1730  IV 

*'  side  of  a  grindle,"    1714  HI 

"  N.  Sadler's  Ordinary,"  1716  HI 

1729  IV 

"N.  Sadler's  Ordinary,"  1716  HI 


"  Seechenayaug," 
"  Congscutt,"  etc. 
"  150  a.  of  Willards," 

*'  Near  Congscutt," 
"  Seechanayaug," 


Sold  J.  Welden, 

"  near  Assawassuc," 


'  E.  Diamond  P." 
S.  E.  course  tree," 
'  S.  bounds,  G." 
'  E.  Diamond  P." 

^  N.  of  the  Saw  JMill," 
E.  Minnoochaug," 
N.  Congscutt, 
E.  Diamond  P." 

On  Hartford  line," 


"  On  Hartford  line," 
"  N.  Congscutt," 
"  On  Hartford  line," 
"  On  Hartford  line," 


"  S.  of  the  Saw  Mill," 


51 
67 
43 
54 
95 
44 
42 
46 
55 
89 
45 
33 
43 
29 
29 
36 
14 
36 
32 
33 
62 
38 


1715  HI 

1715  HI 

1716  HI 

1717  HI 
1744  IV  416 
1716  HI  37 
1728  HI 
1723  HI 
1723  HI 

1723  IV 

1714  HI 

1724  HI 
1739  IV  331 
1739  IV  332 

1715  III  34 
1720  HI 

1714  HI 
1723  HI 
1734  IV 

1715  HI 

1716  HI 


61 
52 
53 
20 
28 
59 


47 
29 
58 
77 
34 
33 


63 


NAMES. 

£.    s.    A.  R. 

REMARKS. 

y.    B. 

P. 

John  Strickland, 

IS         100 

"  At  Lubberland," 

1714  HI 

30 

[Joseph  S^trickland, 

30 

"near  Nipsic  hills," 

17 IS  m 

49 

Wid.  E.  House  (Kecncy 

,)  <^           1--^ 

1725  HI  ] 

101 

[Heirs  ol"  Win.  House, 

100 

"  as  householder," 

1721  III 

47 

Benjamin  Strickland, 

31           40 

"  At  Lubberland," 

1720  HI 

51 

" 

22 

1723  HI 

56 

Joseph  House, 

30           GO 

"  W.  Minnoochaug," 

1720  III 

46 

Ephraim  Bidwell, 

44           40 

"Great  Swamp," 

1714  m 

35 

" 

188 

"  On  Hebron  line," 

1723  III 

55 

Ebenezer  Kilborny 

40  10     SI 

1720  m 

46 

Simeon  Couch, 

34           OS 

1722  HI 

50 

Henry  Gosley, 

27   10     55 

"  At  Lubberland," 

1719  HI 

41 

Joseph  Hill, 

5S  15  100 

"  S.  E.  Diamond  P." 

1715  HI 

31 

« 

117 

"  N.  E.  corner  of  Town,' 

"  1720  HI 

42 

John  Kilborn, 

64         12S 

"  N.  of  saw  mill," 

1716  HI 

37 

Wid.  M.Hale,  [sqhs,] 

116         230 

"  E.  Minnoochaug," 

1723  HI 

52 

John  Hubbard, 

102  10  160 

1714  HI 

56 

" 

205 

"  On  Hebron  line," 

1723  HI 

56 

John  Hubbard,  Jr., 

49  10     90 

1721   HI 

30 

Robert  Loveland, 

IS           22 

"  E.  of  Snake  house," 

1719  HI 

41 

'« 

14 

1723  III' 

56 

John  Loveland, 

35 

William  Wickham, 

121   10  100 

"W.  Ash  swamp," 

1719  III 

2S 

" 

73     54 

1730  IV 

34 

Thomas  Morlcy, 

44           SS 

"  W.  Minnoochaug," 

1716  HI 

36 

Wid.  Mary  Benton, 

25     5     50 

1717  III 

39 

Daniel  Wright, 

47          50 

"  On  Blackleach's  R.," 

1716  HI 

32 

" 

124 

1717  III 

39 

Eben'r  [and  Jos.]  Fox, 

5S  10     70 

"  N.  E.  Diamond  P." 

1723  III 

57 

Joseph  Fox, 

52 

"W.  Minnoochaug," 

1720  HI 

43 

John  Fox, 

24             3  120 

in  part. 

1736  IV 

261 

Richard  Fox, 

25           50 

1723  HI 

58 

Abraham  Fox, 

21           42 

"  S.  W.  of  saw  mill," 

1719  III 

42 

Joseph  Smith,  Sen'r, 

75     5  150 

IV 

234 

Benjamin  Smith, 

84  10  169 

1725  HI 

100 

Samuel  Gains, 

44           88 

1715  HI 

34 

" 

8S 

1739  IV 

331 

John  Biglow, 

27     5     54     SO 

Sold  to  Rich.  Fox, 

1729  IV 

18 

William  House, 

33  12     67 

1715  HI 

34 

Thomas  Brewer,  Sen'r 

,    59  10     50 

1714  HI 

29 

" 

other  land, 

1723  HI 

61 

Thomas  Brewer,  Jr., 

IS 

[Benjamin  Brewer, 

36 

"  W.  Minnoochaug," 

1718  HI 

40 

Hezekiah  Brewer, 

22           44 

1719  III 

45 

Samuel  Strickland, 

IS           72 

"  At  Minnoochaug," 

1720  HI 

48 

Jonathan  Judd, 

26           52 

sold  D.  Wright, 

1719  HI 

40 

Richard  Smith, 

21           42 

sold  G.  Smith, 

1734  IV 

104 

Abraham  Kilborn, 

47     G  100 

"  E.  Diamond  P." 

1717  III 

39 

64 


NAMES. 

£.    s.    A.  K. 

REMARKS. 

Y.     B. 

P. 

Abraham  Colt, 

49          98 

1723  III 

57 

Stephen  Andrews, 

27  10     55 

1716  III 

34 

" 

55 

1736  IV 

259 

Elizabeth  Kimberly, 

7 

Joseph  Tryon, 

18          36 

Sold  to  Ganett, 

1720  III 

47 

£8,688.18 

1714,  Mar.  26,  Thomas  Holllster,  and  "  Common  land  sufficient,  with  what 
"  "  Joseph  Hollister,  they  had  received  to  make  100  acres." 
"            "  Samuel  Hale,  50  acres,  "  Common  land." 

"  "  Samuel  Brooks,  50  acres,         "         " 

"  "  Daniel  Wright,  50  acres,  "         " 

"  "  Treat,  Heirs  Tho's,  60  acres,  "  in  addition  to  last  grant." 

"  "  John  Hollister,        ^  "  common  land  south  of  Roar- 

"  "  Thomas  Hollister,   |- 200  acres,  ing  Brook  west  side  of  Bare 

"  "  Thomas  Kimberly, )  ^X\\\.ov  PaulieganRuckr 

1715,  Feb.   17,  Joseph  Strickland,  30  acres,  "at  Nipsic,  N.  W.  Wickhams." 


1720,  Dec.  22,  Thomas  Hollister, 
"  "         John  Hollister, 

"  "         Joseph  Hollister, 

"  "         David  Hollister, 

"  "         Ephraim  Hollister,  ^ 


"  All  the  land  lying  N.  of  4  score  acre 
lots,  below  Nayaug,  up  to  the  land 
lately  belonging  to  Mr.  John  Hollis- 
ter dec'd."  This  land  had  been 
formerly  granted  by  Wethersfield  to 
Mr.  Treat,  but  being  unimproved,  the  Town  of  Glasten- 
bury  granted  it  to  the  Messrs.  Hollisters.  For  this,  the 
heirs  of  Mr.  Treat  sued  Glastenbury,  but  the  suit  was  as- 
sumed and  defended  by  the  Messrs.  Hollisters. 
1723,  Dec.  19,  Abraham  Colt,  6  acres,  "  undivided  land,  near  N.  E.  corner 
of  his  farm." 
"  '<         Thomas  Kimberly.     "  All  E.  of  his  farm  at  Diamond  Pond 

to  Hebron." 
"      Dec.  23,  Heirs  Wm.  Miller,  100  acres. 

"  "         Abner  Maudsley,  and  "  share  of  6000  acres,  proportionable 

"  "         Isaac  Maudsley,     "  to  the  list  of  Mr.  Alvord  1714." 

"  "         Daniel  Wright.  "  3  r.  wide  S.  length  of  his  farm." 

"  "         Joseph  Tryon,  50  acres,  "  E.  of  the  mile  common." 

"  "         Use  of  the  Ministry,  200  acres,  "  S.  Nipsic  Pond." 

(3)  Glastenbury^  in  second  purchase,  6000  acres. 
1723,  Dec.  23.  "  At  a  town  meeting  held  this  day, — There  being  in  the 
four  eastermost  miles  of  land  in  the  Town  of  Glastenbury,  more  than  Six 
thousand  acres  not  yet  granted  nor  laid  out ;  Therefore,  this  Town  do,  by 
their  vote,  give  and  grant  six  thousand  acres  of  said  lands,  not  yet  laid  out, 
unto  the  inhabitants  of  said  Glastenbury  who  are  hereunto  named,  to  them, 
their  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  to  be  divided  to  them  respectively  according 
to  their  Lists  this  present  year,  Anno  Domini,  1 723."    viz. 


65 


NAMES,  £.      S.      A.    R.                REMARKS.                                     Y.       B.       P. 

Mr.  Samuel  Smith,  127     9  153           fell  to  E.  Lyman  and  wife,          IV  250 

Capt.S.  Welles,  [sons,]  144  18  173  141   "  near  Cunscutt,"  IV  240 

Mr.  John  Hubbard,  48  IS     5S112                                                  1725  III     92 

Lt.  Joseph  Smith,  48  15     50           in  part  to  son  Manoah,                IV   129 

Mr.  Thomas  Hale,  79          94  12S                                                1725  III  102 

Lt.  Benj.  Talcott,  127  16  153           "  N.  of  the  pine  nursery,"  1737  IV  257 


Mr.  Thomas  Kimberly,  81   15 

Benjamin  Smith,  70     5 

Mr.  Nathaniel  Talcott,  92  4 
John  HoUister,  118  5 
Thomas  HoUister,  103  5 
Joseph  HoUister,              131     5 

Joseph  Strickland,  34  10 

William  Wickham,  40     6 

Jonatlian  Wickham,  .30     2 

Joseph  House,  56  16 

John  Strickland,  18 

Samuel  Strickland,  23  10 

Josiah  HoUister,  49     1 

Joseph  HoUister,  Jr.,  34 

Charles  Treat,  13  12 

Tho's  Loveland,  Sen'r,  24 

Joseph  Fox,  30  15 

William  Miller,  55     4 

John  Hubbard,  Jr.,  G3  10 

Mr.  David  Hubbard,  23 

Mr.  Steph.  J.  Chester,  15 

Isaac  Hubbard,  44     5 

Ephraim  Hubbard,  54 

Dorothy  Treat,  59  15 

Isaac  Treat,  12 

Benony  Hale,  30  10 

Samuel  Loveland,  59 

Arthur  Bevin,  42 

Nathaniel  BidweU,  30     5 

Ephraim  Goodrich,  49  10 

Richard  Goodrich,  5  10 

Benjamin  Abbey,  27 

Timothy  Brooks,  21 

Samuel  Brooks,  Sen'r,  22 

Samuel  Brooks,  Jr.,  21 
[Rev.]  Mr.  Rich.  Treat,    5  10 
[Wm.  Wickham,  Jr.,] 

Abraham  Kilborn,  C9  19 

Thomas  Buck,  18 
Tho's  Loveland,  Sen'r,    24 

Thomas  Scott,  23 

5 


in  part'44IV41G;'47V51S;'54  VI     14 

in  part,  1739  IV  331 

110   123  "  at  S.  bounds,  G."  1729  IV     20 

141   131  "  on  the  S.  bounds,"  1729  IV  323 

1734  IV  159  231 ;  46  a.  1737  IV  256 

80  sold,  to  Tho.  Welles,  1735  IV  238 

81  sold,  to  Tho.  Welles,  173G  IV  237 


157 
41 
50 
36 
68 
21 
23 
59 


sold.toW.  Wickham,  Jr.,  1730  IV     22 


19  "joins  Hebron," 
34  "  N.  side  Conkscott," 
32  sold,  to  Tho.  Welles, 
in  part, 

sold,  to  Tho,  Welles, 
38  126  sold,  to  Tho,  W^elles, 
16     56 


1736  IV  260 
1728  IV  139 

1736  IV     11 

1737  IV  255 
1734  IV  239 

IV  243 
1724  III     90 
28  128  1729  IV     32 

37  "  on  Minochauge,"  1729  IV     39 

35  1725  HI     99 

32  1725  HI     99 

96  1736  IV  259 

1760  VI  132 
1736  IV  264 
"  S.  W.  Diamond  Pond,"  1734  IV  116 
"  N.W.  nursery  of  pines,"1731  IV     35 
1736  IV  258 
sold,  to  Tho.  Welles, 


66 
76 
27 


sold,  Wm.  Welles 
53     16 
64  120 
72 

14     64 

37           sold,  to  Tho.  Welles,  1730  IV       9 

77  128  1729  IV     12 

50           sold,  Abig.  Lattimer,  HI  125 

36           sold,  to  Rob.  Powel,  1726  III  121 

86  132  sold,  Tho.  Welles,  1730IVS,241 

6     96  1725  HI  13S 

32     64  "  at  Diamond  Pond,"  1734  IV  146 

125     32  sold,  Abm,  Kilborn,  1727  HI  129 

26  33  sold,  Rob.  Powell,  1726  HI  122 
25           sold,  Abig.  Latt'r,  1726  HI  122 

sold,  John  Neville,  1730  IV     33 

sold,  John  Neville,  1730  IV     33 

79  120  1729  IV     28 

96  1729  HI  189 

28  128  "  next  Hebron  bounds,"    1736  IV  258 

27  96  sold  Benj.  Hale,         •  HI  131 


66 


NAMES. 

Samuel  Price, 
Thomas  Treat, 
Thomas  Brewer,  Sen'r, 
Joseph  Brewer, 
Joseph  Dickinson, 
Gideon  Hollister, 
Elizabeth  Hill, 
Benj.  Hollister, 
Thomas  Brewer,  Jr., 
Ebenezer  Goodale, 
Ephraim  Hollister, 
Dr.  Joseph  Tryon, 
David  Hollister, 
Mary  Benton, 
Samuel  Gains, 
Richard  Fox, 
Thaddeus  Welles, 
Gershom  Smith, 
Joseph  Smith-,  '2d, 
Abner  Maudsley, 
Thomas  Morley, 
Henry  Goslee, 
John  Fox, 
Robert  Loveland, 
Jonathan  Webster., 
Benjamin  Strickland, 
Richard  Keenny, 
John  Loveland, 
Ephraim  Bidwell, 
Daniel  Brewer, 
Abraham  Fox, 
Abell  Morley, 
Simon  Couch, 
WilliaHi  House, 
Joseph  Hill, 
Abraham  Colt, 
Ebnezer  Morley, 
Ebenezer  Streen, 
Timothy  Hale, 

Samuel  Hale,  Jr., 
Daniel  Wright, 
Joseph  Tryon,  Jr., 
Stephen  Andrus, 
Benj.  Hale, 

Jonathan  Hale, 
Thomas  Hale^  Jj,, 


£.    s. 

A.      R.                 REMARKS. 

Y.     B.     P. 

27 

82 

64  sold,  Jona.  Hale, 

1733  IV     92 

46  10 

55  1 

128 

1729  III  199 

42  10 

50 

sold,  Jona.  Hale, 

1724  HI     79 

28 

33 

96  "  at  Constscott," 

1729  IV  445 

3.5     1 

42 

9 

1725  III     94 

21 

25 

22 

1725  IV     81 

84 

100  ; 

128 

1728  HI  170 

52 

18 

20 

sold,  Jona  Hale, 

1724  HI     73 

24 

29 

sold,  Jona.  Hale, 

1724  HI     75 

55  15 

66 

sold,  Tho.  Welles, 

1724  HI     85 

19 

23  : 

128  sold,  Jona.  Hale, 

1730  IV     28 

62  10 

74  : 

144 

1730  IV     88 

5(3 

5S 

1728  IV  254 

;  1751    V  549 

92 

110 

"  next  BoUon,"- 

IV  196 

€2     6 

75 

8  "  E.  of  Minochauge," 

1729  IV     26 

44  10 

86 

1737  IV  257 

54  12 

65 

80 

1734  IV  166 

69     7 

106 

80  sold,  Jona.  Hale, 

1731  IV     70 

93     4 

113 

1725  IV     19 

45 

54 

sold,  John  Waddams, 

1731  IV  165 

42 

50 

64 

1725  HI  102 

3'1 

44 

1725  III     95 

73  10 

88 

«^'  N.  E.  Stone  house," 

1725  III     93 

75     8 

90 

80 

1736  IV  203 

33  10 

40 

30 

III  103 

45 

sold,  Jona.  Hale, 

1726  HI  155 

44     8 

53 

48 

1736  IV  260 

60 

72 

"  at  Great  Hill," 

1732  IV     82 

21 

25 

32  sold,  Tho.  Welles, 

1729  IV       9 

47 

56 

1736  IV  258 

40 

48 

sold,  Mary  Benton, 

n24  III     63 

37  10 

45 

sold,  Abrm.  Kilborn, 

IV     97 

46   16 

56 

32 

1731  IV     72 

24 

28 

128 

1725  III     97 

29 

34- 

128 

1725  III  101 

36 

44 

sold,  Sam.  Hale,  Jr., 

1724  HI     65 

25 

S9 

sold,  Benj.  Hale, 

1724  III     74 

44 

40 

1725  III     98 

12 

128  "  at  tlie  Great  Swamp,' 

"  1735  IV  261 

21 

25 

32  "  N.  of  Conkscott," 

1728  IV     85 

144     2 

137 

sold,  Noah  Phelps, 

1732  IV     SO 

18 

21 

96  sold,  Benj.  Fox, 

1729  IV     16 

39 

46 

128  "  next  to  Hebron," 

1736  IV  260 

36   16 

44 

*  1725  HI     94 

72 

Sam.  Hale's  share, 

IV     S3 

122     7 

146 

120 

1729  rV     17 

52  10 

55 

"jiear  Diamonv*!  Pond,' 

'    1734  IV  194 

67 


NAMES. 

£. 

s. 

A. 

R. 

REMARKS. 

Y.     B. 

P. 

Thomas  Welles, 

103 

10 

Cliailes  Hollister, 

21 

2.5 

32 

1729  IV 

31 

Joseph  Aiidrus, 

IS 

21 

32 

sold,  Tho.  Welle.s 

1730  IV 

10 

John  NevilJe, 

20 

31 

32 

ni 

100 

Samuel  Gains,  Jr., 

29 

24 

128 

sold,  Joha  Neville, 

m 

60 

Ebeuezer  Fox, 

47 

15 

50 

1734  IV 

150 

Hezekiah  Brewer, 

19 

Jeremy  HoUister, 

18 

21 

96 

1725  III 

96 

Samuel  Hale, 

61 

Daniel  Wright,  Jr., 

25 

.30 

"  Little  Mijjsic  plain," 

1731   IV 

3S 

Samuel  Hotlge, 

26 

33 

96 

1736  IV 

259 

Eiehard  Smith, 

21 

25 

32 

1725  III 

97 

David  Dickinson, 

IS 

21 

9G 

sold,  Abr'm  Skinner, 

17,34  IV 

3 

Benony  Fosc, 

20 

24 

1725  III 

96 

Mr.  John  Chester, 

7 

40 

1725  III 

93 

"  Voted  :  that  none  of  the  within  mentioned  grants  be  laid  out,  till  the  first 
day  of  March  next,  that  so,  such  as  have  heretofore  had  their  grants  of  land, 
may  have  opportunity  to  lay  out  their  land  according  to  their  grants  ;  that  is 
to  say,  Mr.  Samuel  Smith,  Joseph  Smith,  Sen'r,  Thomas  Hale,  William 
Wickham,  Capt.  Ephraim  Goodrich,  Thomas  Brewer,  or  any  others  that  have 
not  laid  out." 

1725,  Dec.  13,  Elizabeth  Kimberly,  14  acres,  "undivided  land  in  East- 
bury,"  laid  out  1729,  V.  36. 
172G,  Dec.  19,  Benjamin  Smith,  100  acres,  "which  he  should  have  had  in 
1713,"  laid  out  to  his  sonManoah  S.  1784,  IV.  129. 
"  "         Wm.  Wickham,  Jr.,  "omitted  in  the  roll  of  1724,  to  have 

his  share." 


Lands  snhxequently  set 

NAMES. 

Patrick  Streen, 
Epli'm  Goodrich, 


Wm.  Wickham, 

160 

Rev.  A.  Woodbridge, 

iOO 

" 

13 

Parsonage, 

200 

Robert  Powell, 

26 

Rev.  Timothy  Stevens, 

50 

1st  ordained  M.  Eastb. 

100 

Ministry, 

10 

Daniel  Whitmore, 

50 

Wm.  Goodrich, 

20 

Rev.  N.  Brainard, 

50 

Ebenezer  Fox, 

100 

Benj.  Wright, 

100 

out  to  persons  not  mentioned  in  (he  preceding  lits. 

A      R.  REMARKS.  Y.      B.      P. 

40  1723  III     64 

72     16  of  Wetliersfield,  1729  IV       3 

1719  III  200 

"  S.  4  score  acre  lots  near  1732  IV  93 

the  nursery,"         1741  IV  337 

'"  S.  side  Nipsic  Pond,"     1733  IV  117 

33  of  Wethers'd,  sold, Z. Fox,  1733  IV  123 

"  at  Diamond  Pond,"        1734  IV  147 

"  N.  E.  corner  Nipsic,"    1732  IV  176 

10  138  to  correct  a  mistake,        1735  IV  264 

1740  IV  344 

"  On  topof  Minochauge,"1743  IV  408 

1740  IV  430 

given  to  S.  Boardman  W.  1741    V     24 

given  to  S.  Boardman  W.  1741    V     28 


68 


REV.  ASHBEL  WOODBRIDGE,  1728-1758. 

After  the  death  of  Mr.  Stevens,  the  committee  of  the  socie- 
ty hired  Mr.  Israel  Chauncey  to  preach  a  quarter  of  a  year, 
for  which  he  was  to  have  "  £15  and  needful  subsistence  for 
himself  and  horse."  At  the  end  of  the  three  months,  9th  of 
March,  1727,  he  was  called  to  settle,  with  a  salary  of  .£100 
and  a  settlement  of  X200.  This  offer  was  not  accepted,  and 
on  the  25th  of  April  a  vote  was  taken  to  call  a  minister, 
when  Mr.  John  Curtice  had  thirty-one  votes,  Mr.  Israel  Chaun- 
cey five,  and  Mr.  Charles  Treat  one  ;  and  Mr.  Curtice  was 
called  with  the  same  salary  and  settlement  as  had  been  offer- 
ed to  Mr.  Chauncey.  This  vote  in  regard  to  Mr.  Curtice 
having  been  taken  without  consulting  "  the  Elders"  or  neigh- 
boring ministers,  gave  rise  to  considerable  difficulty,  where- 
upon it  was  unanimously  agreed  to  consult  them.  In  pur- 
suance of  their  advice,  the  people  met  on  the  19th  of  July  and 
ballotted  for  a  minister,  when  Mr.  C.  had  fifty-two  votes,  and 
there  were  forty-eight  blanks.  Under  these  circumstances  the 
Elders  advised  doing  nothing  further  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Cur- 
tice, and  recommended  them  to  try  Mr.  Ashbel  Woodbridge 
or  Mr.  John  Bulkley,  Jr.  Mr.  Woodbridge  was  called  on  the 
same  terms  offered  Mr.  Chauncey,  and  having  accepted  the 
same,  he  was  ordained  October  4th,  1728,  the  expense  being 
borne  by  the  town. 

Of  the  men  called  previous  to  Mr.  Woodbridge,  Mr.  Chaun- 
cey was  probably  the  same  that  graduated  at  Harvard  in 
1624  and  died  in  1736,  without  having  been  a  settled  pastor. 
Mr.  Curtice  may  be  the  one  who  graduated  at  Yale,  1719* 
and  after  preaching  a  while  as  a  candidate,  relinquished  the 
ministry  and  died  in  1774.  Mr.  Charles  Treat  was  a  native 
of  Glastenbury,  son  of  Thomas  Treat,  and  grand-son  of  Ger- 
shom  Bulkley,  born  1696,  graduated  at  Yale,  1722,  married 
Sarah,  daughter  of  John  Gardiner  of  the  Isle  of  Wight,  in  the 
county  of  Suffolk,  N.  Y.,  in  1727.  He  relinquished  the  min- 
istry, and  gave  himself  to  agricultural  pursuits  on  the  large 
estates  of  his  wife.     He  died  in  1742. 

There  being  no  pubfic  land  suitable  or  convenient  for  build- 


69 

ing  a  house  for  Mr.  W.,  several  gentlemen  subscribed  money 
to  assist  him  in  buying  a  lot  as  follows :  Thomas  Wells,  <£7 
10s.;  Richard  Smith,  £2;  Abraham  Kilborn,  <£4;  Jonathan 
Hale,  £7  Ws.;  N.  Talcott,  XI ;  Thaddeus  Welles,  £2  10s.; 
Abram  Moscley,  £3 ;  S.  Smith,  Jr.,  £5  ;  Silas  Welles,  £2 
10s. ;  total,  X32. 

Rev.  AsHBEL  WooDBRiDGE,  SOU  of  Rcv.  Timothy  Wood- 
bridge  of  Hartford,  born  1704,  graduated  at  Yale,  1724,  or- 
dained at  Glastenbury,  October,  1728,  died  of  dysentery, 
August  6th,  1758,  in  the  fifty-fifth  year  of  his  age,  and  the 
thirtieth  of  his  ministry.  He  married  widow  Jerusha  Ed- 
wards of  Hartford,  daughter  of  William  Pitkin  of  East 
Hartford,  November  17th,  1737,  and  had,— 

Ashbel,      b.  Oct  1738. 

Samuel,     b.  Jan.  22,  1740. 

Elizabeth,  b.  Oct.  1,  1741,  d. 

Timothy,    b.  March  15,  1744. 

Hoel,  b.  March  17,  174G. 

Theodore,  b.  Jan.  10,  1748. 

William,    b.  Feb.  2,  1750,  d.  March  2,  1750. 

Elizabeth,  b.  Aug.  17,  1751. 

Wmiam,    b.  Sept.  14,  1755. 

Mr.  W.  was  a  man  of  eminent  piety  and  distinguished 
worth;  whose  reputation  was  that  of  a  ripe  scholar,  sound 
divine  and  successful  peace-maker.  He  was  often  deputed 
by  the  authorities  to  assist  in  composing  difficulties  in  socie- 
ties and  churches,  when  peace  had  been  disturbed.  We  find 
him  in  a  council  at  Hebron,  1731;  Goshen,  1747;  Branford, 
1748;  and  Franklin,  1748.  He  also  preached  the  election 
sermon  before  the  General  Assembly  in  1752,  from  Psalm 
78 :  72 ;  was  a  member  of  the  Corporation  of  Yale  College. 

Of  Mr.  Woodbridge's  family,  Ashbel  died  nine  days  after 
his  father,  being  then  a  member  of  Yale  College.  Samuel, 
we  shall  have  occasion  to  speak  of  as  a  minister  of  Eastbury. 
Timothy,  graduated  at  Yale,  1765,  was  settled  at  Whitestown, 
N.  Y.,  where  he  remained  until  his  death.  He  left  one  son 
who  died  young.  Hoel,  or  Hoivel,  married  Mary,  daughter 
df  Ebenezer  Plummer,  Esq.,  November  26th,  1778,  and  had 


70 

three  children,  Joseph,  b.  March  27th,  1780 ;  Mary,  b.  August 
20th,  1782,  and  Sarah,  b.  September  3d,  1784.  Howel  was 
an  active  and  influential  citizen,  and  a  colonel  in  the  Revo- 
lution. He  died  June  13th,  1796,  in  the  fifty-first  year  of  his 
age.  Theodore  married  Esther,  daughter  of  Ebenezer  Plum- 
mer,  Esq.,  November  13th,  1783.  He  removed  to  Pennsyl- 
vania, where  his  descendants  are  now  supposed  to  reside. 
William  graduated  at  Yale,  1765,  studied  divinity  but  was 
never  settled,  spending  his  days  in  teaching.  He  died  at 
Franklin,  Conn.,  March  27th,  1836,  aged  eighty-two.  Wil- 
liam Clianning  Woodbridge^  the  geographer,  who  died  in 
Boston,  1845,  was  the  only  son  of  William.  Twenty-five 
years  of  indefatigable  labor  and  research,  one-half  of  which 
was  spent  in  travel  at  home  and  abroad,  enabled  Mr.  W.  to 
amass  an  amount  of  geographical  matter,  which  has  enabled 
others  to  amass  fortunes.* 

INCOKPORATION   OF  EASTBURY,  ETC. 

During  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Woodbridge,  the  town  contin- 
ued in  peace  and  harmony.  The  population  in  the  eastern 
part  increased  so  rapidly,  and  the  difficulties  of  attending 
public  worship  with  the  people  on  the  river,  were  so  great, 
being  separated  from  them  by  the  whole  length  of  the  three 
mile  lots,  and  the  one  mile  in  width  of  the  Public  Common, 
that  a  petition  was  brought  to  the  General  Court  in  1730, 
for  the  incorporation  of  a  new  Ecclesiastical  Society  within 
the  limits  of  Glastenbury.  This  petition  was  granted  in  May, 
1731,  and  the  new  society  called  Eastbury,  and  measures 
were  immediately  taken  to  erect  a  Meeting  House,  which 
was  located  near  a  great  rock  on  the  west  side  of  the  society, 
near  the  spot  where  the  old  burying-ground  is  situated,  and 
was  to  "  be  forty  feet  in  length  and  thirty-five  feet  in  width." 

On  the  29th  of  June  of  the  same  year,  (1731,)  Rev.  Eben- 
ezer Wright  was  called  as  pastor  of  the  new  society,  with 


*  Gen.  Reg.  January,  1S53.  Lee's  Election  Sermon,  1815,  App.  p.  55.  Noti- 
ces of  the  History  of  the  First  Congregational  Church  in  Glastenbury,  p.  13., 
and  Monuments  in  the  Grave  Yards  and  MSS.  Memo.  , 


71 

j£60  salary  and  an  annual  increase  of  .£5  until  it  amounted 
to  XlOO,  and  also  XlOO  settlement.  Mr.  Wright  was  prob- 
ably a  native  of  Glastenbury  or  Wethersfield,  graduated  at 
Yale,  1724,  settled  at  Stamford,  1732,  and  died  1746.* 

Mr.  Wright  having  declined  the  invitation,  the  Rev.  Jona- 
than Hubbard  was  called  to  the  same  office  on  the  2 1st  of 
September  of  the  same  year,  with  the  salary  offered  Mr.  W., 
a  settlement  of  X150,  an  hundred  acres  of  land  and  his  fire- 
wood annually.  Mr.  Hubbard  seems  to  have  accepted  the 
call,  and  to  have  preached  when  an  opportunity  offered,  be- 
fore the  Meeting  House  was  built.  In  1731,  he  received  £15, 
in  1732,  .£60.  In  1733,  the  day  of  his  ordination  was  set, 
and  the  persons  to  be  an  ordaining  council  selected.  Some 
unknown  cause,  however,  broke  oft'  the  connection  at  this 
point,  and  the  society  paying  him  £50,  looked  elsewhere  for 
preaching.  Mr.  Hubbard  was  born,  as  would  seem,  at  Glas- 
tenbury, graduated  at  Yale,  1724,  afterward  settled,  but  at 
what  place  or  places  is  unknown  ;  died,  1765. 

The  Rev.  John  Williams  was  next  procured  to  preach, 
which  he  did  for  a  few  months,  and  on  the  first  of  April,  1734, 
he  was  called  to  settle  among  the  people  of  Eastbury  on 
terms  similar  to  those  which  had  been  offered  to  the  others. 
The  call,  however,  was  declined.  Mr.  Williams  is  supposed 
to  be  the  John  Williams  who  was  graduated  at  Harvard, 
1725,  took  his  Master's  degree  in  1729,  and  whose  subse- 
quent history  and  death  are  unknown. 

The  Rev.  Daniel  Bliss  was  next  called  to  the  place,  on 
similar  terms,  but  declined.  He  was  born  at  Springfield, 
1715,  graduated  at  Yale,  1732,  and  settled  at  Concord,  Mass. 
He  died,  1764. 

The  Rev.  William  Gager,  was  first  employed  to  preach 
by  the  day,  until  the  decision  of  Mr.  Bliss  should  be  known. 
He  continued  to  preach  until  March,  1735,  when  a  vote  was 
taken  calling  him  to  settle.  The  votes  being  fourteen  for, 
and  twelve  against,  it  was  thought  advisable  to  consult  the 
ministers  of  the  Association  of  Lebanon,  where  Mr.  Gager 

•  Am.  Q.  R.  IV.  316. 


72 

had  been,  and  take  their  advice  in  the  matter.  The  result 
was  that  on  the  3d  of  November,  1735,  a  call  was  given  to 
Rev.  Chiliab  Brainard,  who  accepted  the  same.  Mr.  Gager 
was  graduated  at  Yale,  1721,  settled  at  Lebanon,  1725,  dis- 
missed, 1734.     He  died  in  1737.* 

Rev.  Chiliab  Brainard,  first  ordained  minister  of  East- 
bury,  son  of  William  B.  of  Haddam  Neck,  and  grand-son  of 
Deacon  Daniel  B.,  born  at  Haddam,  was  graduated  at  Yale, 
1731,  settled  at  Eastbury,  January,  1736.  In  the  fall  of  1738,  he 
resigned  his  pastoral  office  in  an  informal  way,  and  the  socie- 
ty directed  the  committee  to  hire  Mr.  Richard  Treat  to  preach 
until  the  next  annual  meeting.  Mr.  B.  died  the  first  of  Janu- 
ary following,  (1739,)  in  the  thirty-first  year  of  his  age  and  the 
third  of  his  ministry.  He  married  Abigail,  daughter  of  Rev. 
Phineas  Fiske,  of  Haddam.  After  the  death  of  Mr.  B.  she 
married  Rev.  Noah  Merrick  of  Wilbraham,  Mass.,  of  whom 
Judge  George  Merrick  of  Glastenbury,  is  a  descendant.!  He 
was  born  at  "Wilbraham,  February  1st,  1793,  read  law  with 
Judge  Gilbert  of  Hebron,  and  Hon.  Hunt  Mills  of  Northamp- 
ton, was  admitted  to  the  bar,  1815,  and  immediately  com- 
menced practice  in  this  town. 

After  the  death  of  Mr.  Brainard,  Mr.  Treat  seems  to  have 
continued  to  preach  here  until  March,  1739,  when  Mr.  Ne- 
hemiah  Brainard  was  called  to  settle.  Mr.  Richard  Treat 
appears  to  have  been  the  son  of  "  Thomas  Treat  of  Nayaug," 
born  May  14th,  1694,  and  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1719.  The 
place  of  his  labors  and  the  time  of  his  death  are  unknown. 

Rev.  Nehemiah  Brainard,  second  minister  of  Eastbury, 
son  of  Hezekiah  and  grand-son  of  Deacon  Daniel  B.,  brother 
of  David  Brainard  the  celebrated  missionary,  was  gradu- 
ated at  Yale,  1732,  settled  at  Eastbury,  January,  1740,  died 
November  9th,  1742,  in  the  thirty-second  year  of  his  age.  A 
proposition  was  made  after  the  death  of  Mr.  Brainard,  to  re- 
claim the  fifty  acres  of  land  granted  to  him  by  the  proprietors, 

•  Am.  Q.  Reg.  IV.  30S. 

t  Hin.  Pur.  319.     Rev.  Dr.  Spraguc's  His.  Not.   Springfield.    Am.  Q.  R.  IV 
308,  etc. 


73 

but  the  town  refused,  by  its  vote,  to  have  anything  to  do  with 
the  matter.  Mr.  B.  was  married,  but  whether  he  left  any 
family,  we  have  not  learned.* 

Rev.  Isaac  Ciialker.  There  is  a  tradition  among  some 
of  the  oldest  inhabitants  of  this  parish  that  Mr.  C.  was  an 
Englishman.  This  seems,  however,  to  be  a  mistake,  for  he  ap- 
pears, from  a  great  variety  of  circumstances,  to  have  been  the 
son  of  Abraham  and  Deborah  Chalker;  to  have  been  born  at 
Saybrook,  September  12th,  1707,  and  to  have  been  graduated 
at  Yale,  1728.  He  was  settled  at  Bethlehem,  Orange  county, 
N.  Y.,  where  he  remained  until  1743.  In  December  of  that 
year,  he  was  invited  to  Eastbury  by  a  vote  of  twenty-six  to 
seventeen,  to  preach  on  probation,  and  soon  after  was  called 
to  settle  by  a  vote  of  thirty-seven  to  eighteen.  He  was  in- 
stalled October,  1744,  and  died  May  21st,  1765.  The  name 
of  his  first  wife,  by  whom,  previous  to  1750,  he  had  eight 
children,  and  also  the  subsequent  history  of  the  children,  is 
unknown.  His  first  wife  dying,  he  married  Sarah  Morley 
of  Glastenbury,  in  1762.  Only  two  children  are  spoken  of 
in  the  doings  of  the  parish  at  the  time  of  his  death,  Joanna 
and  Isaac,  both  apparently  children  of  the  second  wife. 

Mr.  C.  had  been  unfortunate  in  the  loss,  while  at  Bethle- 
hem, of  his  stock  of  cattle  and  a  negro  servant,  by  the  cold 
winter  of  1740—41.  To  replace  these,  and  to  pay  the  expen- 
ses incurred  by  the  removing  his  family  to  Connecticut,  he 
loaned  ,£650  of  the  colony,  which  subsequently  became  a 
source  of  much  annoyance  and  vexation  to  him  and  the  par- 
ish, the  colonial  authorities  insisting  upon  payment,  when 
he  appears  to  have  had  nothing  wherewith  to  pay.  From  the 
society  records  and  public  proceedings  in  the  case,  we  learn 
that  his  settlement  was  X300,  and  his  salary  <£130;  that  the 
General  Court  issued  in  a  brief  for  a  contribution  in  behalf 
of  him  and  the  parish,  from  which  they  realized  ,£126,  and 
that  finally  his  friends  in  Glastenbury  raised  a  considerable 
sum  for  him,  and  the  General  Court  gave  him  the  remainder. 
It  also  appears  that  the  parish  of  Eastbury  was  at  this  time 

*  Hin.  Pur.  319.     Glas.  L.  R.     Mon.   Glas.  B.  G.     Am.  Q.  R.  IV.  308. 


74 

in  a  very  weak  condition  ;  that  in  1740,  the  list  of  the  parish 
was  only  X2,510  10^.  Even  some  fifteen  years  later,  their 
list  v^^as  only  £4,000,  and  two  thousand  acres  of  the  land  in 
the  parish  were  owned  by  non-residents.  The  following  is  the 
substance  of  a  paper  in  the  same  proceedings,  entitled  : 

"  What  Glastenhury  has  done  for  Easthury. 
1731,  Gave  100  acres  of  land  for  the  first  Minister,  when  made  a  Society. 
1736,  Taxed  the  unimproved  lands  for  their  benefit,  for  four  years. 
1740,  Gave  fifty  acres  of  land  to  the  second  Minister. 

1 753,  Made  a  contribution  [subscription]  for  it. 

1 754,  A  tax  of  1 2d.  an  acre  on  unimproved  land  for  the  benefit  of  that  Parish. 

1761,  Gave  fifty  acres  of  land  for  a  Parsonage. 

1762,  Gave  part  of  a  mile  of  Common  for  their  benefit." 

The  subscription  above  alluded  to  has  been  preserved,  to- 
gether with  an  account  of  money  raised  in  Eastbury  for  the 
same  purposes,  paying  Mr.  Chalker's  indebtedness  to  the 
colony,  and  is  copied  below  for  the  light  it  throws  upon  the 
location  and  condition  of  the  signers.  The  parish  at  this  time 
was  grievously  distressed,  and  greatly  weakened  and  dis- 
heartened, among  other  things,  by  the  loss  of  twenty-six  male 
members  in  the  French  war,  immediately  after  Mr.  Chalker's 
settlement,  most  of  them  being  the  young  and  active  mem- 
bers of  the  parish,  its  future  hope  and  stay  and  support,  and 
soon  after  by  the  setting  off  of  a  body  of  active  citizens  to 
aid  in  forming  the  parish  of  Marlborough. 

Subscription  for  Rev.  Mr.  Chalker  in  Easthury,  1752-3. 


Abraham  Fox, 

£7 

Benjamin  Strickland, 

£2 

William  House, 

10 

Benoni  House, 

2 

Stephen  Strickland, 

11  4s. 

Charles  Hollister, 

Daniel  House, 

12 

Benjamin  Skinner, 

Elisha  Hollister, 

5 

Joseph  Goodale, 

Nicholas  Nichols, 

5 

Andrew  Macka, 

John  Wiar, 

5 

Joseph  Macka, 

Thomas  Hollister, 

5 

Edward  Hutchens, 

Samuel  Stratton, 

2 

Malacha  Corning, 

Samuel  Pease, 

4 

Betsey  Macka, 

Samuel  Pease,  Jr., 

1 

Jonathan  Mygatt, 

Joseph  Brewer, 

1 

Total,         £85  4s. 


75 

Subscription  in  GlastenLurij,  etc.,  for  same. 

AslibelWoodbridge,  £20  Isaac  Moseloy,  £lO 

Jonathan  Hills,  12  Abraham  Kilborn,  5 

Edward  Eells,  -         5  Benjamin  Hale,  5 

Jonathan  Belding,  10  William  Eells,  2 

Nathaniel  Coleman,  5  Abigail  AVoodbridge,  17 

Samuel  Treat,  5  Thomas  Belding,  20 

Samuel  Talcott,  8  Ezekiel  Porter,  10 

Thomas  Welles,  30  Elisha  Goodrich,  15 

Joseph  Pitkin,  20  Solomon  Welles,  10 

Jonathan  Hale,  20  Thomas  Welles,  12 

Abner  IMoseley,  5  Jonathan  Robbins,  15 

Samuel  Kimberley,  15                                                      

£27G 

The  friends  of  ]VIr.  Chalker  having  raised  half  the  amount 
due  the  State,  the  colony  either  gave  him  the  remainder,  or 
some  other  means  were  provided  by  which  he  was  enabled 
to  pursue  his  labors  in  peace  and  quietness,  until  hi-s  death  in 
1765.* 

Though  the  society  of  Eastbury  had  suffered  many  losses, 
it  was  doomed  to  suffer  still  another  in  the  life-time  of  Mr. 
Chalker,  the  setting  off  a  part  of  the  parish  to  form  the  Ec- 
clesiastical Society  of  Marlborough,  to  which  we  have  alrea- 
dy alluded.  The  petitioners  from  Eastbury  were,  Samuel 
Loveland,  Abraham  Skinner,  David  Dickinson,  Jonathan 
Bingham,  Joseph  White,  John  Rutt,  [Root,]  Robert  Loveland, 
Benjamin  Skinner  and  Caleb  Waddams.  These,  together 
with  others  from  Hebron  and  Colchester,  petitioned  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  to  be  made  into  a  distinct  society,  and  though 
stoutly  resisted  by  Eastbury,  the  petition  was  granted  in  1747, 
but  the  petitioners  were  required  to  pay  their  proportion  of 
the  charges  of  Eastbury  for  four  years.  In  1808,  this  socie- 
ty was  made  into  a  town,  and  in  1813,  "the  south  end  of 
John  Tom  hill"  was  set  off  from  Eastbury,  and  made  a  part 
of  Marlborough. 

A  portion  of  this  loss  was  made  up  to  Eastbury,  however, 


•  Col.  St.  Pap.  Ecc.  VIII.  212.  X.   156-163.  XII.  69.     MSS.  Rev.  F.  W.  C. 
Am.  Q.  R.  IV.  308. 


76 

by  the  addition  of  the  "fourth  mile"  or  Common,  to  that  par- 
ish, in  compliance  with  a  petition  based  on  the  following  cu- 
rious vote : 

"  Voted  to  send  A  man  to  the  Generall  assembly  of  the  Colony  of  Con- 
nitticutt  to  Purtishun  for  the  inhabbytents  that  are  and  shall  be  on  the  fourth 
mile." 

This  petition  was  resisted  by  Glastenbury,  but  after  some 
delay,  was  granted,  giving  to  Eastbury  all  of  the  original 
"  five  mile  purchase,"  not  included  within  the  limits  of  Marl- 
borough. 

GENERAL  HISTORY  OF  THIS  PERIOD. 

Many  incidents  of  interest,  worthy  of  notice,  transpired  in 
Glastenbury  during  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Woodbridge.  In  go- 
ing through  with  the  records,  we  could  not  but  observe  a  ten- 
der regard  for  the  poor  and  the  afflicted,  which  stands  in 
striking  contrast  with  the  more  modern  fashion  of  dealing 
with  the  "  Town's  Poor,"  throughout  Connecticut.*  "  Thir- 
ty pounds'^  to  this  person,  and  "  Twenty-Jive  pounds^^  to  that, 
to  enable  them  to  make  provision  for  some  case  of  idiocy  or 
insanity,  and  lesser  sums  for  lesser  calamities,  voted  by  the 
town  for  similar  purposes,  indicate  a  spirit  of  feeling  that 
would  rejoice  humanity,  should  it  again  revive. 

EARLY  MUSIC. 

One  of  the  difficulties  of  the  New  England  colonists  du- 
ring the  first  half  of  the  last  century,  Avas  from  a  cause  which 
could  not  have  been  foreseen  or  anticipated.  From  the  first 
settlement  of  the  country,  until  about  1712,  there  had  been  no 
such  thing  known  in  New  England  as  a  singing  school,  or 
learning  to  sing  by  note.  The  whole  music  of  the  churches 
was  traditionary,  and  like  all  traditions  had  been  so  changed 


*  It  was  a  pleasing  arrangement  by  which  the  whole  body  of  the  "  Town's 
Poor"  were  conveyed  to  the  public  Green  on  the  day  of  the  celebration,  enjoy- 
ing it?  festivities,  and  partaking  of  its  abundant  luxuries,  with  a  freedom  and  a 
zest  that  will  not  soon  be  forgotten  by  them. 


77 

in  different  places,  that  it  was  difficult  to  recognize  the  same 
tune,  as  sung  in  different  choirs.  And,  strange  to  say,  the 
great  body  of  the  people  had  become  so  much  attached  to 
this  perverse  practice,  that  when  it  was  proposed  to  introduce 
regular  singing  by  note,  it  raised  such  a  storm  in  the  land  as 
amazes  those  who  look  back  upon  it  from  the  present  time. 
The  storm  spent  its  greatest  fury  in  Massachusetts,  dividing 
congregations  and  arraying  ministers  and  people,  deacons  and 
choirs,  in  the  utmost  hostility  against  each  other.  In  Connec- 
ticut, the  zeal  of  the  combatants  was  less  fervid  and  general. 
But  even  here,  the  interposition  of  the  General  Court  was 
required  in  many  towns  to  quiet  the  disturbances  arising 
from  the  introduction  of  "singing  by  rule."  In  Glastenbury, 
the  matter  was  quietly  and  easily  disposed  of  by  a  vote  of 
the  town  in  February,  1733,  directing  the  congregation  in  the 
first  society,  to  sing  one-half  the  day  by  "  note,"  and  the 
other  half  by  "  rule,"  and  to  begin  after  the  next  election.* 

This  vote  was  not  entirely  satisfactory  to  the  society  itself, 
and  accordingly  in  July  following,  at  a  meeting  called  for  the 
purpose,  it  was, — 

"  Voted,  that  the  Kegulor  or  new  way  of  singing  be  defered,  and  not  be 
sung  in  the  Congregation  in  this  Society  on  the  Sabbath  days,  until  the  meet- 
ing of  this  Society  in  December  next,  and  that,  in  the  mean  time  this  Society, 
or  as  many  of  the  inhabitants  thereof  as  can  conveniently  attend  it,  do  meet 
once  a  month  at  the  place  of  public  worship  on  the  second  Wednesday  in 
each  month,  at  two  of  the  clock  in  the  afternoon,  to  learn  the  said  way  of 
singing ; — and  that  there  be  also  three  private  meetings  set  up  for  said  singing 
once  a  week  or  fortnight,  two  in  the  Town  Piatt,  and  one  at  Naighuig,  (viz.,) 
at  Mr.  John  Hollister's  Hoose  at  Naighuig  on  the  first  Monday  in  each 
month  at  four  of  the  clock  in  the  afternoon ; — at  the  Hoose  of  Jonathan  Hale 
on  the  third  Wednesday  in  Each  month,  at  the  same  time  of  day,  and  at  the 
Hoose  of  Mr.  Daniel  Wright  on  the  forth  Wednesday  in  Each  month,  at  the 
same  time  of  day." 

The  sound  sense  and  practical  wisdom  of  this  resolve, 
equalled  only  by  the  ready  compliance  of  the  people  with  the 


*  Those  who  would  see  the  lengths  to  which  this  controversy  was  carried  in 
many  places,  will  find  it  in  Hood's  History  of  Music  in  New  England,  ISmo. 
Boston,  1S40. 


78 

same,  are  worthy  of  all  praise  and  careful  imitation.  The  idea 
of  singing  without  learning,  or  of  being  excused  from  making 
an  effort  to  learn,  seems  never  to  have  entered  the  minds  of 
our  ancestors.  Would  that  their  descendants  might  imitate 
this  example,  whereby  our  churches  might  secure  more  and 
better  singers.  At  the  December  meeting  of  the  society,  such 
progress  had  been  made  in  learning  to  sing  by  rule,  that  it 
was  resolved  to  commence  on  the  first  Lecture  day,  that  Mr. 
Woodbridge  could  preach  a  sermon  appropriate  for  the  oc- 
casion. 

In  Eastbury,  the  regular  way  of  singing  met  with  more 
opposition.  It  was  first  adopted  in  1740,  and  in  a  short  time 
after  rejected,  but  again  subsequently  adopted.  In  the  first 
society.  Dr.  Watts'  version  of  the  Psalms  was  adopted  in 
1756,  and  in  1773,  the  same  society  voted  "  to  sing  four  times 
every  Sabbath,  without  reading  the  psalms." 

BURNING  AND  BUILDING  A  MEETING  HOUSE. 

A  grievous  calamity  befel  the  first  society  during  the  min- 
istry of  Mr.  Woodbridge,  in  the  burning  of  the  Meeting  House, 
on  the  night  of  the  ninth  of  December^  1734.  The  fire  occur- 
ring on  Monday  evening  when  there  had  been  no  exposure 
from  any  use  of  the  house,  there  seemed  to  be  no  doubt  that 
it  was  the  work  of  an  incendiary,  and  efficient  measures  were 
taken  to  discover  the  offenders,  but  so  far  as  we  have  been 
able  to  learn,  without  effect.  On  the  20th  of  January,  1735, 
the  society  voted  to  build  a  new  house,  "  forty-four  feet  in 
width,  and  fifty-six  feet  in  length,  and  twenty-four  feet  in 
height  between  joints."  The  house  was  located  by  a  com- 
mittee of  the  General  Assembly,  appointed  the  May  follow- 
ing, in  the  highway  near  the  house  of  the  late  Rev.  Mr.  Stev- 
ens and  the  (then)  present  Rev.  Mr,  Woodbridge,  The  house 
was  to  be  clapboarded  without  and  ceiled  within,  the  walls 
being  "  filled,"  and  the  whole  to  be  "  finished  in  a  manner  suit- 
able for  a  Christian  people  to  worship  God  in." 

The  sittings  of  this  house  were  partly  pews  and  partly 
seats  which  were  probably  open.  The  pews  were  arranged 
around  the  outside  of  the  house  adjoining  the  wall.     The 


79 

pulpit,  standing  on  the  west  side  of  the  house,  had  on  the 
north  a  "  square  pew  for  the  minister's  family,"  and  two  other 
pews  extending  to  the  north  end.  South  of  the  pulpit  were 
the  stairs  leading  into  it,  an  open  space  with  a  bench  for 
children,  and  two  pews  similar  to  those  north  of  it,  extend- 
ing to  the  south  end.  Turning  east  by  the  wall  on  the  south 
end,  there  were  two  pews  before  reaching  the  south  door,  and 
then  one  before  arriving  at  the  gallery  stairs.  Passing  on  the 
east  side  of  the  house,  there  stood  two  pews  before  reaching 
the  front  door,  with  the  same  arrangement  of  pews  and  doors 
on  the  remainder  of  the  east  side  and  north  end.  Within 
this  range  of  pews  was  an  aisle  leading  around  the  house, 
and  another  leading  from  the  front  door  to  the  pulpit,  divid- 
ing the  central  part  of  the  house  into  two  divisions,  which 
were  filled  with  rows  of  open  seats  or  slips. 

These  seats  were  "dignified"  after  the  following  manner, 
by  vote  of  the  society : 

"  1.  The  pewes  next  the  pulpit  (exclusive  of  the  minister's  pew,)  to  be  the 

first  seat  and  highest. 
"  2.  The  second  pew  to  be  the  second  seat. 
"  3.  The  fore  scat  [in  the  body  of  the  house]  to  be  the  third  seat. 
"  4.  The  third  pew  and  the  second  seat,  to  be  equal. 
"  5.  The  fourth  pew  from  the  pulpit,  and  the  third  seat  to  be  equal. 
"  6.  The  fifth  pew,  and  fourth  seat,  and  the  second  pew  from  the  fore  door  to 

be  equal. 
"  7.  The  third  pew  from  the  fore  door,  and  the  fifth  seat  to  be  equal. 
''  8.  And  then  the  sixth  seat  and  so  on  to  the  last." 

This  arrangement  remained  until  1762,  when  the  society 
voted  to  "cut  up  the  seats"  in  the  body  of  the  house,  the 
space  to  be  filled  with  pews,  when  they  were  all  "  dignified" 
anew,  by  a  committee  appointed  to  seat  the  house.  When 
determining  the  place  due  to  any  individual,  the  seaters  were 
to  consider  "  the  age,  state  and  parentage,"  of  any  individual, 
and  to  proceed  accordingly.  The  women  were  originally 
placed  on  the  north  side  of  the  house,  and  all  young  unmar- 
ried people  in  the  gallery,  and  it  was  not  until  1757,  that 
men  and  their  wives  were  seated  together- 


80 


RELIGION  AND  MORALS. 


Of  the  state  of  religion  and  morals  at  this  early  period,  we 
have  no  means  of  forming  any  accurate  or  certain  estimate, 
as  there  are  no  records  of  any  of  the  churches  until  subse- 
quent to  the  death  of  JVIr.  Woodbridge.  The  church  records 
of  his  successor,  the  Rev.  John  Eells,  compel  us  to  believe 
that  the  influence  of  the  French  war  had  been  as  unfavora- 
ble to  morals  as  destructive  to  life;  and  that  the  absurd 
practice  of  "bundling"  prevalent  in  those  days,  was  not  un- 
frequently  attended  with  the  consequences  that  might  have 
been  expected,  and  that  both  together,  aided  by  a  previous 
growing  laxity  of  morals,  and  accelerated  by  many  concur- 
ring causes,  had  rolled  a  tide  of  immorality  over  the  land, 
which  not  even  the  bulwark  of  the  church  had  been  able  to 
withstand.  The  church  records  of  the  first  society,  from 
1760  to  1790,  raise  presumptions  of  the  strongest  kind,  that 
then,  as  since,  incontinence  and  intemperance^  were  among  the 
sins  of  the  people.  What  the  condition  of  things  in  East- 
bury  was,  we  have  no  means  of  knowing,  as  that  portion  of 
the  church  records  which  treats  of  this  point,  was  long  ago, 
carefully  removed.  There  is  no  reason,  however,  to  suppose 
that  this  state  of  things  was  peculiar  to  Glastenbury ;  for 
there  is  too  much  evidence  that  it  prevailed  throughout  the 
country.  We  believe,  also,  that  there  has  been  during  the 
last  century,  no  such  general  deterioration  of  morals  as  many 
suppose ;  but  that,  on  the  contrary.  Christian  principles  and 
sound  morals  have  made  some  advance  within  a  century; 
and  we  trust  that  they  are  destined  to  make  still  further  ad- 
vance in  a  century  to  come.  What  the  character  of  the 
coming  generation  shall  be,  depends  upon  the  ivill  and  the 
act  of  the  present. 


81 


MR.    WOODBRIDGE  S    SALARY. 


C3 
1 

o 

1731, 

£100 

7s 

4s  6d 

4s 

173-J, 

10(1 

7s 

4s  Gd 

1733, 

lOU 

1734. 

100 

Ss  6d 

6s 

4s6rf 

1735, 

100 

ds 

Gs 

4s  Gd 

173t5, 

100 

10s 

7s 

5s 

1737. 

100 

14s 

LOs 

Gs 

173S, 

130 

10s 

7s 

6s 

1739, 

140 

9s 

6s 

5s 

1740. 

145 

lOs  Gd 

7s  Gd 

6s 

1741, 

150 

1742, 

IGO 

1743, 

IGU 

1744, 

IGO 

1745, 

IGO 

1 5s 

10s 

7s 

1740, 

2U0 

1747, 

30U 

174S, 

300 

1749, 

400 

1750, 

400 

1751, 

500 

1752, 

500 

1753, 

GOO 

1754, 

GOO 

1755, 

606 

175G, 

GO 

1757, 

GO 

[the  Treasury. 
In  money,  or  grain  at  money  jjrice,  and  £3  in 
In  money,  or  grain  at  money  price. 

£15  voted  to  him  at  the  end  of  the  year. 
£7  voted  to  him  at  the  end  of  the  year. 


"  £20  added 
"  £20  added 
"  £20  to  buy 


to  buy  wood, 
auut^-i  to  buy  wood, 
to  buy  wood." 


and  wood. 


Old  tenor,  or  £55  lawful  money. 
Lawful,  or  proclamation  money.' 
Lawful  money." 


Lands  laid  out  during-  Mr.  Woodbridge^s  ministri)  from  1720 

to  1758. 

(1)   1743,   Glastenhur II,  Jirst  purchase. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  undivided  lands  in  Glastenbury — 
March  7,  1743. 

"  Whereas  there  is  a  piece  or  parcel  of  land  in  Glastenbury,  between  the 
'  four  score  acre  lots'  and  Middletown  North  bounds,  part  of  which  remains 
yet  in  common  and  undivided,  and  the  said  proprietors  thinking  it  proper 
that  the  same  be  divided  and  laid  out  in  severalty  in  some  suitable  form,  with 
sufficient  highways — Whereupon  the  said  Proprietors,  do  now  by  their  vote 
agree  that  there  be  a  highway  of  about  six  rods  wide  from  the  country  road 
eastward,  to  the  end  of  the  '  fore  score  acre  lots,'  next  adjoining  to  them,  and 
that  there  be  a  cross  highway  of  about  ten  rods  wide  from  said  six  rod  high- 
way to  Middletown  bounds,  about  every  half  mile  from  said  country  road 
eastward  to  the  end  of  the  said  lots,  and  that  the  remaining  part  of  the  said 
undivided  land,  the  said  Proprietors  do  now  at  [this]  said  meeting  by  their 
vote  give,  grant,  divide  and  sett  out  to  the  several  persons  hereafter  men- 
tioned, or  their  heirs,  in  a  ratable  proportion  according  to  the  number  of 

6 


82 

pounds  to  each  of  their  names  annexed,  to  be  holden  to  them,  their  heirs  and 
assigns  forever ;  and  the  same  to  be  laid  cut  to  them  in  tiers  according  to  the 
draught  now  drawn, — the  first  tier  to  be  from  said  country  road,  West  to  the 
Great  River,  the  rest  on  the  East  side  of  said  road  to  be  in  about  half  mile 
tiers,  between  said  cross  highways,  the  draught  to  begin  number  1,  on  the 
first  tier  next  to  the  four-score  acre  lots,  and  so  to  proceed  South  to  No.  2, 
&c.,  until  that  tier  be  finished,  and  then  to  begin  at  the  six  rod  highway,  on 
the  East  side  of  the  said  road,  and  then  proceed  South  and  North,  until  the 
whole  be  finished. 

These  lands  were  laid  out  in  1 743,  and  the  records  of  the  surveys  are  all  in 
Vol.  IV.  of  Glastenbury  Land  Records^  at  the  pages  specified. 


Heirs  Samuel  Smith, 

•*     Capt.  Samuel  Welles, 
"     John  Hubbard, 
"     Thomas  Treat, 
"     Capt.  Eph.  Goodrich, 
Capt.  Jonathan  and  Benjamin  Hale, 
Heirs  Dea.  Jonathan  Smith, 
•"     Thomas  Hale, 
■"     William  Wickham, 
"     John  Kilboin, 
"     Joseph  Hill, 
"     John  Hollister  the  younger, 
"     Deac.  Thomas  Hollister, 
Joseph  and  Joseph  Hollister,  Jr., 
Heirs  Joseph  Smith, 
"     Benjamin  Smith, 
"     William  House, 
"     Thomas  Loveland, 
"     Joseph  Bidwell, 
"     Richard  Fox, 
"     John  Strickland, 
Joseph  Brewer  in  right  of  his  father, 
Capt.  Nathaniel  Talcott, 
Heirs  Deac.  Benjamin  Talcott, 
"     Thomas  Kimberly,  Esq., 
Daniel  Wright, 
Samuel  Hale, 
David  Hollister, 
Heirs  Edward  Benton, 
"     John  Hale, 
"     Samuel  Miller, 
Abner  and  Isaac  Moseley, 
Samuel  Gaines, 
Heirs  Ephraim  Hollister, 


£    No. 

A. 

R. 

P. 

160 

15 

39 

32 

401 

IGO 

11 

39 

32 

400 

IGO 

S 

39 

32 

399 

IGO 

22 

39 

32 

404 

IGO 

34 

39 

32 

408 

IGO 

34 

39 

32 

398 

120 

16 

29 

64 

402 

120 

19 

29 

64 

403 

120 

33 

29 

64 

407 

120 

31 

29 

64 

407 

120 

23 

29 

64 

404 

100 

30 

24 

80 

406 

100 

14 

24 

SO 

401 

100 

28 

24 

SO 

406 

100 

20 

24 

SO 

403 

100 

24 

24 

SO 

404 

100 

29 

24 

SO 

406 

100 

3 

24 

SO 

39S 

lUO 

13 

24 

80 

401 

100 

9 

24 

SO 

399 

100 

25 

24 

SO 

402 

70 

17 

17 

24 

397 

70 

26 

17 

24 

405 

70 

2 

17 

24 

397 

70 

21 

17 

24 

403 

50 

12 

12 

40 

400 

50 

7 

12 

40 

399 

50 

10 

12 

40 

400 

50 

32 

12 

40 

407 

50 

IS 

12 

40 

402 

50 

5 

12 

40 

39b 

40 

1 

9 

132 

397 

30 

G 

7 

56 

398 

30 

27 

7 

5G 

405 

83 


(2)   Glasfenhury  secomi  purchase, — mile  of  common. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  common  and  undivided  land  in 
Glastenbury,  held  April  25,  1757. 

"  A'oted  and  agreed  that  the  undivided  land  in  the  mile  of  common  (so 
called)  shall  be  divided  and  laid  out  in  severalty  to  each  person  in  a  ratable 
proportion  according  to  the  number  of  pounds  arising  on  the  land  they  put  into 
their  respective  lists  last  year — viz.  1756,  *  *  *  *  whereupon  it  is  voted  and 
agreed  that  there  be  a  highway  laid  out  next  to  the  three  mile  lots,  or  as  near 
as  may  be,  of  a  suitable  width,  not  less  than  four  rods  [wide]  in  any  part  of 
it,  and  that  from  the  North  to  the  South  bounds  of  the  Town ;  and  also  that 
there  be  suitable  highways  laid  out  in  all  other  parts  of  the  undivided  lands 
in  said  mile  of  common,  and  the  remainder  of  said  undivided  land,  which  is 
about  nine  hundred  acres,  the  said  Prorietors  do  now  by  their  vote,  give, 
grant,  divide,  and  order  to  be  set  out  in  severalty,  in  a  ratable  proportion, 
to  each  inhabitant  Proprietor  in  said  Town,  according  to  their  i-espective  lists 
of  lands  for  1756,"  which  was  brought  into  the  meeting  and  ordered  to  be 
recorded. 


An  account  of  the   names   of  the 
April 

NAMES.  £.      S.       d. 

Capt.  Thomas  Welles,    111 


Capt.  Jona.  Hale, 

G() 

Capt.  Abner  Moseley, 

77 

15 

Capt.  Samuel  Talcott, 

34 

2 

Lt.  Samuel  Kimberly, 

93 

10 

Maj.  Elizur  Talcott, 

08 

7 

Mr.  Abraham  Kilborn, 

4.5 

6 

Mr.  Henj.  Hale, 

54 

10 

Mr.  Timothy  Hale, 

40 

10 

Mr.  Win.  Welles, 

42 

9 

Serj.  John  Welles, 

53 

10 

En=.  Isaac  Moseley, 

65 

16 

Benoni  House, 

25 

4       6 

Serj.  Jona.  Hale,  Jr., 

47 

Mr.  Thaddeus  Welles, 

19 

Capt.  David  Hubbard, 

40 

2 

Ephraim  Bidwell, 

15 

4 

Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Cl'k, 

07 

5 

Joseph  Hill, 

2 

12 

Mr.  Richard  Smith, 

35 

Joseph  HoUister, 

25 

8       6 

j\Ir.  Jeduthan  Smith, 

36 

10 

Serj.  Joseph  House, 

21 

17 

William  Miller, 

IS 

14 

Eben'r  Benton,  a  minor,    9 

15       9 

S.  and  A.  Benton,     " 

7 

7       9 

Hannah  Easton  and  Ruth 

and  Abigail  Benton, 

1 

2       6 

Proprietors,    and  each 
25,  1757. 

REMARKS. 

IS  acres,  136  rods, 
S  acres,  40  rods, 
9  acres,  115  rods, 
44  acres,  40  rods, 
60  acres,  42  rods, 
8  acres,  87  rods, 
7  acres,  113  rods, 
23  acres,  25  rods, 
5  acres,  JO  rods, 
60  acres,  42  rods, 
15  acres,  2  rods, 
308  acres,  35  rods, 
4  acres,  45  rods, 
20  acres, 

3  acres,  149  rods, 
sold,  Wm.  Welles, 

1  acre,  144  rods, 
sold,  I.  Mosely, 

2  acres,  37  rods, 

4  acres,  153  rods, 
sold,  John  Welles, 

5  acres,  28  rods, 

3  acres,  119  rods, 
2  acres,  54  rods, 
2  acres,  80  rods, 

1  acre,  52  rods, 

40  rods. 


one's   land  list, 

Y.     B.     P. 

1758  VI  106 
1758  VI  106 
1758  VI  28 
1758  VI  115 
1758  VI  106 
1758  VI  125 
17.58  VI  117 
1758  VI  114 
1758  VI  126 
17.58  VI  107-8 
1758  VI  109 
1758  VI  111 
17.58  VI  128 
1758  VI  lis 
1758  VI  119 
175S  VI  108 
17.58  VI  117 
1758  VI  112 
17.58  VI  174 
1758  VI  117 
1758  VI  109 
17.58  VI  118 
1758  VI  128 
1758  VI  178 
1758  VI  170 
17.58  VI  173 

1750  VI  170 


84 


NAMES. 

£.    s.    d. 

REMARKS. 

Y.     B.     P. 

Doct.  Elizur  Hale, 

6  19 

sold,  I.  Mosely, 

1758  VI  111 

Timothy  Hale,  Jr., 

18     6 

Joseph  Stevens, 

19  15       6 

2  acres,  16  rods. 

1758  VI  129 

Ebenezer  Kilborn, 

13 

6  acres,  68  rods. 

1758  VI  169 

Joseph  Smith,  Jr., 

26     4 

Thomas  Goodrich, 

9  15 

sold,  I.  Mosely, 

1758  VI  111 

Joseph  Bidwell, 

6  10 

sold,  Wm.  Welles, 

1758  VI  107 

Joseph  Fox, 

2 

sold,  Wm.  Welles, 

1760  VI  130 

David  Miles, 

3 

sold,  I.  Mosely, 

1758  VI  112 

Samuel  Williams, 

6     S 

2  acres,  120  rods. 

1758  VI  170 

Eleazar  Hubbard, 

1   17       6 

Heirs  Joseph  Bidwell, 

1     5 

Moses  Hale, 

25  10 

sold,  I.  Mosely, 

1758  VI  111 

John  Mosely,  Jr. 

12  12 

Eph.  Hubbard,  Jr.., 

17  10 

3  acres,  31  rods. 

1758  VI  178 

Gideon  Goodrich, 

11     S 

sold,  Amos  HoUister, 

1758  VI  120 

Nath'l  Talcott,  Jr., 

27  15 

sold,  J.  Benton, 

1758  VI  110 

Serj.  Hez.  Wright, 

12  10 

sold,  J.  Benton, 

1758  VI  110 

Joseph  Kilborn, 

21     9 

3  acres,  104  rods. 

1758  VI  120 

Richard  Fox, 

4     7 

sold,  J.  Benton, 

1758  VI  110 

Serj.  Samuel  Welles, 

16 

sold,  J.  Benton, 

1758  VI  110 

Mr.  Thomas  Treat, 

20     9 

13  acres,  30  rods. 

1758  VI  116 

Jona.  Webster,  Jr., 

11     4 

3  acres,  148  rods. 

1758  VI  166 

Mr.  Ebenezer  Plummei 

■,    5  16 

sold,  Wm.  Welles, 

1758  VI  107 

Gershom  Wheeler, 

2  15 

sold,  I.  Mosely, 

1758  VI  111 

Wm.  Dinsmore, 

6 

sold,  J.  Benton, 

1758  VI  160 

Joseph  Tryon, 

5  10 

sold,  David  Wickham, 

1758  VI  126 

Elisha  Goodrich, 

1     6 

sold,  Jona.  Welles, 

1758  VI  119 

Daniel  Ward, 

3 

sold,  I.  Mosely, 

1758  VI  111 

Sam'l  Goodrich, 

9     6 

sold,  I.  Mosely, 

1758  VI  111 

Mr.  Isaac  Treat, 

16     6 

1  acre,  62  rods. 

1758  VI  124 

Wm.  Tryon, 

10 

sold,  Wm.  Welles, 

1758  VI  107 

Richard  Risley, 

28     4 

sold,  I.  Mosely, 

1758  VI  111 

David  Loveland, 

5     8 

sold,  I.  Mosely, 

1758  VI  111 

Thomas  Goodrich,  Jr., 

9  12 

sold,  Wm.  Welles, 

1758  VI  107 

Benj.  Stevens, 

13     6 

sold,  I.  Mosely, 

1758  VI  111 

Charles  Eddy, 

9 

sold,  I.  Mosely, 

1758  VI  112 

Hez.  Bidwell, 

10     2 

2  acres,  24  rods, 

1758  VI  174 

Jona.  Hubbard, 

10  13       6 

4  acres,  90  rods. 

1758  VI  171 

Moses  Scott, 

2  10 

sold,  W.  Welles, 

1758  VI  107 

Joseph  Stevens,  Jr., 

3     7       6 

sold,  W.  Welles, 

1758  VI  107 

Hosea  Fox, 

7             6 

sold,  I.  Mosely, 

1758  VI  112 

Peter  Treat, 

3 

1  acre,  44  rods. 

1758  VI  172 

Joseph  Talcott, 

16  19 

sold,  I.  Mosely, 

1758  VI  111 

Jona.  Treat, 

3     7       6 

sold,  Jona.  Welles, 

1758  VI  119 

Noah  Tryon, 

15 

sold,  Jona.  HoUister, 

1758  VI  123 

Ens.  David  Goodrich, 

40  12 

5  acres,  12  rods. 

1758  VI  125 

Samuel  Stratton, 

1 

1  acre, 

1758  VI  128 

85 


NAMES. 

£. 

s. 

Job  Risley, 

19 

IS 

Steph.  Goodrich, 

9 

12 

Heirs  Mrs.  A.  Taylor,  d. 

,10 

5 

Capt.  Elisha  Hollister, 

13 

12 

Elijah  Hollister, 

n 

15 

Benjamin  Hill, 

2 

John  Miller, 

15 

9 

Thankful  Brewer, 

1 

0 

Amos  Hollister, 

11 

12 

Abraham  Hollister, 

17 

15 

Jeremiah  Hollister, 

13 

15 

Jona.  House, 

1 

10 

Serg.  David  Hale, 

12 

17 

Jonathan  Hollister, 

22 

5 

John  House, 

13 

16 

David  Wickham, 

3 

7 

Sere;.  Wm.  Goodrich, 

17 

5 

Thomas  Matson, 

8 

Ebenezer  Fox, 

7 

10 

Heirs  Derotheus  Treat, 

20 

14 

Benj.  Tryon, 

1 

Josiah  Brooks, 

2 

15 

Wid.  Loveland, 

6 

15 

Eleaz.  Hollister, 

4 

8 

Benoni  Smith, 

S 

13 

John  Curtice, 

10 

Benj.  Keeney, 

1 

4 

Ens.  John  Hill, 

17 

4 

Isaac  Hale, 

13 

12 

Lot  Loveland,  Jr., 

2 

Elisha  Loveland, 

10 

18 

Thomas  Morley, 

11 

2 

Timothy  Morley, 

1 

10 

Robert  Loveland. 

6 

18 

Benjamin  Loomis, 

15 

10 

Daniel  Wright,  Jr  , 

23 

11 

Thomas  Risley, 

9 

14 

Thomas  Sparks, 

6 

Benj.  Strickland, 

25 

8 

Joseph  Goodale, 

6 

6 

Simeon  Strickland, 

1 

Ebenezer  Scott, 

9 

2 

Abraham  Skinner, 

11 

14 

Rich.  Chamberlin, 

2 

10 

Zebulon  Scott, 

9 

16 

Deac.  Eph.  Hubbard, 

7 

19 

Charles  Andrews, 

13 

8 

REMARKS. 

sold,  I.  Mosely, 
sold,  L  Mosely, 
5  acres,  120  rods, 
5  acres,  130  rods, 
1  acre,  75  rods, 

1  acre,  110  rods, 
7  acres,  90  rods, 
see  E.  Kilborn, 

21  acres,  140  rods, 

2  acres,  60  rods, 
sold-,  John  Miller, 
sold,  J.  Benton, 

5  acres,  75  rods, 

6  acres,  54  rods, 
sold,  John  "Welles, 
11  acres,  SO  rods, 
sold,  "Wm.  Welles, 
2S  acres,  203  rods, 
sold,  J.  Benton, 

2  acres,  130  rods, 


sold,  Wm.  Welles, 
sold,  L  Mosely, 
sold,  Wm.  Welles, 
sold,  I.  Mosely, 


1  acre,  26  rods, 
sold,  I.  Mosely, 
sold,  I.  Mosely, 
sold,  L  Mosely, 
sold,  Wm.  Welles, 
sold,  J.  Benton, 
sold,  Job  Risley, 
sold,  L  Mosely, 
sold,  I.  Mosely, 
sold,  Wm.  Welles, 

2  acres,  9  rods, 
sold,  John  Welles, 
sold.  Job  Risly, 
sold,  L  Mosely, 

3  acres,  31, 

2  acres,  130  rods. 


Y.  B.  P. 

175S  VI  112 
17."js  VI  111 
1758  VI  176 
1758  VI  118 
1758  VI  127 
1758  VI  174 
175S  VI  130 
VI  169 
1758  VI  128 
1758  VI  173 
175S  VI  130 
1758  VI  110 
1758  VI  121 
1758  VI  123 
1758  VI  109 
1758  VI  126 
1758  VI  108 
1758  VI  124 
1758  VI  109 
1758  VI  122 


175S  VI  108 
1758  VI  112 
1758  VI  107 
1758  VI  111 


1758  VI  173 
1758  VI  112 
1758  VI  114 
1758  VI  111 
1758  VI  107 
1758  VI  110 
1758  VI  177 
1758  VI  112 
175S  VI  112 

1758  VI  107 

175S  VI  175 

1759  VI  136 
175S  VI  177 
1758  VI  111 
175S  VI  178 
1758  VI  171 


86 


NAMES.                            £,. 

s. 

Stephen  Andrews,              6 

16 

Eleazer  Strong,                   19 

1 

Stephen  Webster,                5 

John  Morley,                        2 

John  HoldenjJr.,                1 

John  Finley,                         1 

18 

John  Root,                            5 

Lt.  Daniel  Chamberhvin,  13 

10 

Capt.  David  Dickinson,  20 

16 

James  Goodrich,                 S 

6 

Rob,  Loveland,  (Hebron,)  6 

4 

Rob,  Loveland,  (Hebron 

,)G 

4 

Benj.  Skinner, 

15 

6 

Jonathan  Webster, 

6  : 

16 

John  Waddams, 

7  . 

16 

Peter  Huxford, 

14 

Stephen  Perrin, 

8 

9 

Goin  Finley, 

10 

2 

Nath.  C.  HoUister, 

0 

Daniel  Chamberlin,  Jr. 

,    5 

Ozias  Nichols, 

G 

1 

Thomas  Keeney, 

10 

6 

John  Wyard, 

8 

Capt.  Tim.  Hollister, 

21 

12 

Lt.  Gideon  Hollister, 

21 

4 

Nehemiah  Strickland, 

17 

2 

Hez.  Wickham, 

19 

Daniel  House, 

20 

13 

Isaac  Stratton, 

S 

12 

John  Stratton, 

12 

8 

Thomas  Fox, 

4 

Ens.  Steph.  Stjickland, 

1.3 

12 

Lt.  David  Hubbard, 

13 

Hez.  Hubbard, 

10 

Wm.  House, 

2-5 

Sam.  Loveland, 

5 

8 

John  Hill,  Jr., 

S 

14 

Tho.  Hollister, 

21 

16 

William  Fox, 

6 

Charles  Risley, 

4 

18 

Serg.  Abram  Fox, 

3 

10 

Jonah  Fox, 

3 

Hez.  Brewer, 

S 

Chas.  Hollister, 

7 

Caleb  Waddams, 

10 

10 

Jesse  Welden, 

5 

18 

Serg.  Tho.  Loveland, 

10 

2 

John  Nevill, 

2 

Mrs.  J.  Lamb,  or  Judd, 

13 

10 

REMARKS. 

1  acre,  118  rods, 
soldWm.  Welles, 
sold,  Wm.  Welles, 
sold,  L  Mosely, 
0  acre,  20  rods, 
sold,  Wm.  Welles, 
sold,  Wm.  Welles, 
sold,  L  Mosely, 
sold,  Wm.  Welles, 
sold,  Wm.  Welles, 


sold,  L  Mosely, 
sold,  Chas.  Hollister, 
sold,  L  Mosely, 
sold,  L  Mosely, 
sold,  Wm.  Welles, 


sold,  Wm.  Welles, 
sold,  L  Mosely, 
sold,  Wm.  Welles, 
sold.  Job  Risley, 

sold,  L  Mosely, 
5  acres,  96  rods, 
sold,  J.  Benton, 
9  acres,  22  rods, 

sold,  Wm.  Welles, 
11  acres,  60  rods, 
sold,  L   Mosely, 
sold,  L  Mosely, 
sold,  J.  Benton, 
sold,  I.  Mosely, 
sold,  L  Mosely, 
17  acres,  10  rods, 
3  acres,  150  rods, 
sold,  L  Mosely, 

1  acre,  76  rods, 
SeeWm.  Fox, 

sold,  J.    Benton, 

2  acres,  112  rods, 
sold,  Chas.  Hollister, 
sold,  L  Mosely 
sold,  I.  Mosely, 

sold,  Wm.  Welles, 


Y. 

B. 

p. 

175S 

VI 

171 

1758 

VI 

108 

1758 

VI 

100 

1758 

VI 

111 

1758 

VI 

121 

17.58  VI 

107 

1758 

VI 

107 

17.58 

VI 

112 

1758 

VI 

108 

1758 

VI 

107 

1752  VI 

111 

1758 

VI 

168 

1758 

VI 

111 

1758 

VI 

111 

1758 

VI 

107 

1758 

VI 

107 

1758 

VI 

111 

1758 

VI 

107 

1758 

VI 

177 

1758 

VI 

Ul 

1758 

VI 

122 

1758 

VI 

110 

1753 

VI 

170 

1758 

VI 

107 

1758 

VI 

117 

1758 

VI  112 

1758 

VI 

111 

1758 

VI 

116 

1758 

VI 

112 

1758 

VI 

111 

1758 

VI 

123 

1758 

VI 

129 

1758 

VI 

111 

175S 

VI 

130 

VI 

129 

1758 

VI 

110 

1758 

VI 

129 

1758 

VI 

168 

1758 

VI 

111 

1758  VI 

111 

1758  VI  107 

87 


NAMES. 

£. 

s. 

RKMARKS. 

Y. 

B.    P. 

Mrs.  Rachel  Collins, 

?j 

sold,  I.  Mosely, 

1758 

VI  111 

Mr.  Joiin  Kimberlcy, 

30 

2 

7  acres,  152  rods, 

1758 

VI   121 

Heirs  John  Smith, 

6 

2 

Samuel  Brooks, 

1 

5 

sold,  Wm.  Welles, 

17.J8 

VI  107 

Sarah,  wife  John  Keen 

y,3 

sold,  I.  Mosely, 

1758 

VI  111 

Simeon  Alger, 

3 

sold,  L  Mosely, 

1758 

VI  111 

John  Holden, 

1 

8 

0  acres,  28  rods, 

17.58 

VI  172 

Daniel  Pratt, 

7 

7 

sold,  L  Mosely, 

1758 

VI  112 

Heirs  Manoah  Smith, 

41 

4 

8  acres,  85, 

1758 

VI  lOs 

Eliphalet  Fox, 

1 

sold,  I.  Mosely, 

1758 

VI  111 

Mr.  Josiah  Benton, 

41 

1(3 

51  acres,  117  rods. 

1758 

VI  109 

Heirs  John  Loveland, 

9 

10 

1  acre,  80, 

1750 

VI  175 

John  Hodpje, 

1 

sold,  L  Mosely, 

17.58 

VI   HI 

Lot  Loveland, 

7 

10 

sokl,L  Mosely, 

1758 

VI  111 

Jesse  Strong, 

3 

sold,  Wm.   Welles, 

1758 

VI  10^ 

Abraham  Hill, 

16 

John  Russell,  Weth  , 

sold,  Josiah  Benton, 

1700  VI  69 

Gershom  Smith,  Weth. 

, 

sold,  Josiah  Benton, 

1700  VI  SO 

REV.  JOHN  EELLS,  1759-1791. 

Rev.  Mr.  Woodbridge  dying  in  September,  1758,  the  par- 
ish applied  "  to  the  Rev.  Elders  of  the  Association  for  advice 
and  direction,"  who  recommended  Mr.  John  Eells  as  such  a 
person  as  they  desired.  He  was  accordingly  called,  on  a  sal- 
ary of  «  £80  lawful  money,"  and  "  X200  settlement."  He 
was  also  to  have  thirty-five  cords  of  wood  annually,  deliver- 
ed at  his  door,  with  permission  to  cut  timber  and  fencing  on 
the  parsonage  land  near  Nipsic.  This  call  being  accepted, 
Mr.  Eells  was  ordained,  June  27th,  1759,  being  then  twen- 
ty-three years  of  age.  The  period  of  Mr.  Eells'  ministry,  ex- 
tending from  1759  to  1791,  including  the  Revolution  and  its 
procuring  causes,  is  a  period  of  deep  and  thrilling  interest,  in 
which  the  Civil  is  made  to  predominate  over  the  Ecclesiasti- 
cal, so  separating  the  two,  that  they  never  became  as  thor- 
oughly united  as  before.  It  is  from  that  event,  indeed, 
that  we  are  to  date  the  beginning  of  that  divorce  between 
Church  and  State,  in  this  country,  which  has  since  become 
so  complete. 

The  ministry  of  Mr.  John  Eells  also  includes  the  period 
of  the  French  and  Spanish  war,  which  witnessed  the  taking 
of  Havanna.     This  war  is  of  immediate  interest  to  this  place, 


88 

only  on  account  of  the  part  taken  by  our  citizens  in  that 
event.  How  many  men  went  from  Glastenbury  to  Havana, 
we  have  been  unable  to  ascertain;  but  the  church  records  of 
the  first  society  contain  the  following  entry  under  date  of 
November,  1762 : 

Died  "  William  Hollister,  in  the  army  at  the  Havannah. 

"  Timothy  Brooks,  in  the  army  at  the  Havannah. 

"  John  Morley,  in  the  army  at  the  Havannah 

"  Moses  Scot,  in  the  army  at  the  Havannah. 

"  Benjamin  Loveland,  in  the  army  at  the  Havannah. 

"  Robert  Hollister,  on  his  passage  from  the  Havanah. 

"  Jonathan  Price,  returning  from  the  Havannah." 

Rev.  John  Eells  of  Glastenbury,  the  son  of  Rev.  Nathan- 
iel Eells  of  Stonington,  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1755,  ordain- 
ed in  Glastenbury  June  27th,  1759;  died  May  17th,  1791, 
in  the  fifty-fifth  year  of  his  age,  and  the  thirty-second  of  his 
ministry.  He  married,  first,  Sibil,  daughter  of  Nathaniel 
Huntington  of  Windham,  September  22d,  1764.  She  died 
November  20th,  1773.     Her  children  were, — 

Roger  b.  Grad.  Yale,  1785,  studied  law  ;  d.  Sept.  1790. 

Mary,  b.  April  10,   17C7,     m.  Daniel  Wadsworth. 

Sibil,  b.  Jan.      27,1769,     m.  Miles  Law. 

John,  b.  Nov.     20,  1773,     m.  Mirriam  Robbins. 

Mr.  Eells  married  for  his  second  wife,  Sarah,  daughter  of 
Solomon  Welles  of  Wethersfield,  December  24th,  1776,  and 
had, — 

Sarah,         b.  Oct.  18,  1777,  d.  Feb.  1826. 

Nathaniel,  b.  Oct.  20,  1778,  d.  at  sea. 
Nancy,        b.  Oct.  23,  1779. 

Eunice,       b.  June  23,  1782,  m.  Oliver  Hale. 

Mr.  Eells  was  a  descendant  of  Mr.  Samuel  Eells,  one  of  the 
first  settlers  of  Milford,  who  moved  from  thence  to  Hingham, 
Mass.  His  son,  or  more  probably,  grandson,  Nathaniel,  born, 
1678,  graduated  at  Harvard,  1699,  died  April  25th,  1750, 
was  minister  of  Scituate  from  1704  to  his  death.  His  son, 
Nathaniel,  graduated  at  Harvard,  1728,  settled  at  Stoning- 
ton, July  14th,  1733 ;  died  1786.    Another  son,  Edward,  grad- 


89 

uated  at  Harvard,  1733,  settled  at  Upper  ]\Iiddletown,  Sep- 
tember 6th,  1738 ;  died  1776.  Rev.  John  Eells  of  Glasten- 
bury,  was  son  of  Nathaniel  Eells,  and  Rev,  James  Eells,  whom 
we  shall  have  occasion  to  speak  of  as  the  minister  of  East- 
bury,  was  the  son  of  Rev.  Edwards  Eells.  The  Rev.  Sam- 
uel Eells  of  North  Branford,  who,  having  raised  a  volunteer 
company  in  his  own  congregation,  was  chosen  captain,  and 
entered  the  Revolution  in  that  capacity,  was  also  son  of  Rev. 
Edward  Eells.* 

We  cannot  forbear  remarking,  in  this  place,  that  the  very 
peaceful  and  happy  state  of  things  which  reigned  in  the 
first  Ecclesiastical  Society,  and  in  the  second  also,  so  far  as 
the  people  could  control  this  matter,  during  all  the  preced- 
ing period,  seems  to  have  realized  something  of  the  wish  of 
the  founders  of  the  town.  From  the  passing  of  the  act  of 
incorporation  of  the  town  in  1690,  to  the  death  of  Mr.  Eells 
in  1791,  there  had  been  but  three  ministers  in  the  first  socie- 
ty, and  but  five  in  the  second.  And  it  should  be  further  add- 
ed, that  so  far  as  we  can  judge  from  the  records,  or  have 
learned  from  tradition,  there  never  had  been  the  slightest  in- 
terruption of  harmony  in  the  pastoral  relation,  during  all  that 
time ;  no  hint  of  the  slightest  difficulty  between  pastor  or 
people  being  met  with.  A  century  of  perfect  unity  in  a 
parish,  is  a  thing  almost  without  a  parallel,  and  in  this  res- 
pect, certainly  entitles  Glastenhury  to  her  name. 

EASTBURY. 

Rev.  Samuel  Woodbridge.  After  the  death  of  Mr. 
Chalker  in  May,  1765,  the  ministers  in  the  vicinity  supplied 
the  ]iulpit  some  time  for  the  benefit  of  the  family.  On  the 
24th  of  May,  1766,  the  society  gave  Mr.  Woodbridge  a  call, 
with  a  salary  of  X60  a  year  and  a  settlement  of  X150,  which 
was  subsequently  increased  to  X70  for  salary  and  <£200  set- 
tlement. He  was  ordained  on  the  last  Wednesday  of  June, 
1766.     Mr.  W.  was  the  son  of  Rev.  Ashbel    Woodbridge  of 


*  Am.  Q.  R.  IV.  208.    VIII.  US,  153.      Eells'  MSS.    Mon.  Glas.  and  East. 
B.  G. 


90 

Glastenbury, born  January  22d,  1740,  graduated  at  Yale,  1763. 
Mr.  "Woodbridge  had  been  settled  at  Eastbury  but  a  little 
more  than  a  year,  when  he  lost  his  reason,  brought  on,  as 
was  supposed,  by  his  unremitting  study,  allowing  himself 
only  four  hours,  from  twelve  to  four,  for  sleep.  After  his  de- 
rangement had  continued  some  months,  his  connection  with 
the  parish  was  dissolved  by  mutual  consent  of  his  friends, 
the  Association  and  the  parish.  For  nine  months  he  was 
obliged  to  be  confined  with  chains,  yet  he  recovered  his  reas- 
on and  health,  and  lived  until  July  23d,  1797.  After  recov- 
ering his  reason,  he  was  greatly  grieved  at  finding  himself 
dismissed,  and  declined  taking  another  parish.  He  preach- 
ed, however,  fifteen  months  in  Virginia  and  eight  in  Geor- 
gia, and  was  a  chaplain  during  a  part  of  the  Revolution.  He 
subsequently  settled  in  West  Hartland,  and  became  an  ag- 
riculturalist, preaching,  however,  as  occasion  called  in  the 
neighboring  towns.  In  1779,  he  married  Elizabeth  Good- 
man of  West  Hartford,  a  descendant  of  one  of  the  early 
settlers  of  Hartford,  by  whom  he  had  two  children,  one  daugh- 
ter and  one  son,  Samuel  E.  Woodbridge,  of  Hartland  until 
1834,  now  of  Perth  Amboy,  N.  J.,  a  worthy  man  and  a  suc- 
cessful teacher.* 

Rev.  James  Eells.  In  December,  1768,  the  society  of 
Eastbury  voted  to  hire  some  one  to  preach  on  probation, 
under  which  vote  the  Rev.  James  Eells,  son  of  Rev.  Edward 
Eells  of  Upper  Middletown,  cousin  of  Rev.  John  Eells  of 
Glastenbury,  was  procured.  On  the  20th  of  the  April  fol- 
lowing, (1769,)  he  was  unanimously  called  to  the  work  of 
the  ministry  in  that  society,  with  a  salary  of  £70  and  a  set- 
tlement of  XlOO,  the  use  of  forty  acres  of  parsonage  land  and 
twenty-five  cords  of  wood  annually.  Mr.  Eells  graduated  at 
Yale,  1765,  studied  divinity  with  Rev.  Dr.  Backus  of  Somers, 
was  ordained  August  23d,  1769,  the  service  being  held  on  a 
large  flat  rock  in  the  vicinity  of  the  meeting  house,  the  ordi- 
nation sermon  being  preached  by  the  father.  Rev.  Edward 
Eells. 


*  Am.  Q.  R.  IV.  308.     MSS.  S.  G.  W. 


V 


91 

Mr.  Eells  married  Mary  Johnson  ot  Upper  Middletown, 
in  1770,  and  left  a  son,  James  Eells ;  graduated  at  Yale,  1799, 
settled  at dismissed  in ,  and  subsequent- 
ly devoted  himself  to  teaching.  He  has  a  son,  Rev.  James 
Eells,  Jr.,  graduated  at  Hamilton  College,  1845,  now  settled 
at  Penn  Yan. 

During  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Eells,  the  society  began  to  feel 
the  inconvenience  of  having  its  Meeting  House  so  far  from 
the  center  of  the  society,  and  as  early  as  1800,  measures 
were  taken  to  build  a  new  one  in  a  more  central  place.  The 
efforts  made  to  obtain  means  for  this  purpose  not  being  suc- 
cessful, the  society  voted  in  1806,  to  petition  the  General 
Assembly  for  a  lottery  to  raise  funds  for  that  purpose.  The 
petition  was  granted,  and  permission  given  to  raise  $2,000. 
The  lottery  seems  to  have  gone  into  operation  the  same  year, 
as  the  society's  committee  were  authorized  to  purchase  $50 
worth  of  tickets.  It  does  not  appear  from  the  records  of  the 
society,  however,  that  the  parish  ever  received  any  benefit  or 
funds  from  the  lottery,  and  we  learn  from  other  sovu-ces  that 
large  losses  incurred  by  the  managers,  swallowed  up  a  large 
amount  of  profits.  The  trustees,  however,  seem  to  have 
procured  funds  from  other  sources,  for  in  1819,  the  society 
voted  "to  sell  the  old  Meeting  House  and  the  land  on 
which  it  stands  ;"  and  in  March,  1821,  further  "voted  to  ac- 
cept this  Meeting  House  from  the  proprietors." 

Rev.  Mr.  Eells  died  January  20th,  1805,  in  the  sixty-second 
year  of  his  age,  and  the  thirty-fifth  of  his  ministry.  He,  like 
Mr.  Chalker,  seems  to  have  found  his  salary  too  small  to 
live  upon,  as  his  property  passed  into  the  hands  of  trustees, 
of  whom  it  was  purchased  by  the  society  and  rented  to  him 
at  the  nominal  sum  of  £5  a  year.  During  the  last  two  or 
three  years  of  his  life,  the  society  provided  him  with  a  home, 
with  the  requisite  board  and  clothing,  paying  him  X50  a  year 
salary.  The  singular  manner  in  which  some  of  these  votes 
are  worded,  is  calculated  to  raise  a  smile  as  we  read  them  : 

"  Oct.  nth,  1803.     Voted,  that  Capt.  '- take  care  of  Mr.  Eells  the  year 

ensuing. 


92 

"  Voted,  that  Capt.  — ;^ shall  procure  cloathing  for  Mr.  Eells,  as  shall 

be  necessary,  the  year  ensuing. 

"  Nov.  1804.  Voted,  that  the  Committee  dispose  of  Rev.  James  Eells,  as 
they  shall  think  best." 

After  the  death  of  Mr.  Eells,  the  following  votes,  indicat- 
ing a  peculiar  use  of  ecclesiastical  language,  were  passed : 

"  March  4th,  1805.  Voted,  that  Deacon  Gibson  go  among  the  neighboring 
Priests,  to  see  if  they  will  give  us  any  assistance. 

"  Voted,  Samuel  Covel  take  care  of  the  Priests  Sundays." 

GENERAL  HISTORY— REVOLUTIONARY  OMENS. 

The  ministry  of  the  two  cousins,  the  Rev.  John  Eells  of 
Glastenbury,  and  Rev.  James  Eells  of  Eastbury,  spans  the 
entire  period  of  the  Revolution,  in  which  the  people  of  Glas- 
tenbury deeply  sympathized  from  the  outset.  The  first  pub- 
lic record  in  reference  to  this  subject,  bears  date  August  27th, 
1770,  when  the  following  spirited  resolutions  were  adopted 
by  vote  of  the  town  : 

"  Agreeable  to  the  desire  of  the  Committee  of  Correspondence,  requesting 
a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  several  towns  in  this  Colony,  to  make 
choice  of  suitable  person  or  persons  to  attend  a  meeting  of  the  Mercantile  and 
Landholdlng  interests  in  this  Colony,  to  be  holden  at  New  Haven  on  the  13th 
of  September  next, — Then  and  there  to  consider  of,  and  resolve  upon  such 
measures  as  are  proper  to  be  taken  for  the  support  of  the  non-importation 
agreement,  so  important,  (at  this  critical  conjuncture,)  to  the  Plantations  in 
America,  belonging  to  the  British  crown ;  also,  to  consider  the  alarming  con- 
duct of  a  neighboring  colony,  (viz.)  New  York,  shamefully  violating  said 
agreement : — 

"  Voted  and  Resolved,  that  we  do  highly  approve  of  the  aforesaid  propos- 
al and  request,  and  accordingly  do  appoint  Messrs.  Jonathan  Welles  and  Eb- 
enezer  Plummer,  to  represent  us  at  said  meeting  for  the  purpose  aforesaid, 
and  as  we  judge  the  affairs  there  to  be  transacted,  to  be  of  the  most  interest- 
ing importance  to  us  in  this  Colony,  and  to  all  America,  it  is  further — 

"  Resolved,  that  the  following  advice  and  instructions  be  given  to  [our 
Representatives]  Messrs.  Jonathan  Welles  and  Ebenezer  Plummer." 

l_Tnstructions.'] 
*'  Since  we  have  put  so  much  confidence  in  your  wisdom,  fidelity  and  in- 
tegrity, as  to  appoint  you  our  Representatives,  to  attend  the  proposed  meet- 
ing of  Merchants  and  Landholders  at  the  abovesaid  time  and  place,  we  trust 
you  will  exert  yourselves  with  a  laudable  zeal,  that  is  becoming  every  true 


93 

lover  of  his  country,  in  concerting  and  prosecuting  such  plans  and  measures, 
as  are  necessary  for  the  defending  of  our  just  rights,  our  common  liberties 
and  peculiar  privileges,  which  we,  and  the  other  inhabitants  of  this  Colony 
(under  God)  have  heretofore  long  enjoyed  ;  especially  since  the  present  sea- 
son is  so  alarming,  not  only  on  account  of  the  spirited  attempts  of  our  potent 
enemies  abroad,  but  by  the  treachery  of  some  of  our  brethren,  who,  to  ad- 
vance their  own  sordid,  private  interests,  have  violated  the  most  salutary 
agreement,  viz.,  that  of  non  importation,  and  by  this  means,  have  given  a 
fatal  blow  to  the  cause  of  Liberty.  You  will  permit  us,  therefore,  to  advise, 
that  you  will  endeavor  without  relaxation,  to  support  inviolate  the  said  agree- 
ment of  non-importation,  come  into  and  agreed  upon  by  the  greatest  part  of 
the  Americans,  which  we  esteem  the  most  effectual  expedient  to  procure  a 
redress  of  our  grievance,  and  a  removal  of  all  unconstitutional  courts  and 
duties ;  for  you  cannot  but  be  sensible  that  the  reasons  for  coming  into  said 
agreement,  at  first,  will  continue  to  operate  in  their  full  force,  so  long  as  the 
duty  on  one  single  article  remains  as  a  test  of  Parliamentary  power  to  tax 
America,  without  her  consent  or  representation,  and  as  a  large  number  of 
merchants  and  traders  in  the  Colony  of  New  York  have  of  late,  in  direct  op- 
position to  the  general  sense  of  the  Americans,  been  guilty  of  a  very  criminal 
and  j^erfidious  breach  of  said  agreement,  and  hereby  have  shamefully  betray- 
ed their  country's  cause.  We  further  offer  it  as  our  opinion  that,  for  the 
future,  no  commercial  intercourse,  by  any  in  this  Colony  be  held  with  the 
inhabitants  of  that  government  either  directly  or  indirectly,  until  the  Revenue 
acts  are  repealed,  our  grievances  redressed,  or  until  they  make  public  satis- 
faction for  their  Imprudent,  unadvised,  and  Impudent  conduct ; — and  this  de- 
termination to  have  [no]  dealings  with  them,  we  judge  ought  to  extend  to  an 
absolute  refusal  of  transacting  any  business  In  favor  of  said  importers  ;  and 
likewise  that  all  connections  be  withdrawn  from  those  in  this  Colony,  who 
shall  presume  hereafter  to  carry  on  any  traffic  or  trade,  with  those  betrayers 
of  their  country,  until  they  shall  give  proper  satisfaction  for  their  offensive 
conduct.  You  will  not  fail,  gentlemen,  to  exert  yourselves,  that  resolutions 
of  this  kind  be  come  Into,  and  whatever  else  the  friends  of  the  liberties  of  this 
Colony  with  whom  you  may  have  the  honor  to  consult,  shall  judge  expedient 
at  this  important  crisis,  for  the  security  of  all  our  Invaluable  rights  and  priv- 
ileges to  us,  and  transmitting  down  the  same  to  our  unborn  posterity. 

"  In  order  to  carry  into  effect  the  measures  proposed,  a  committee  of  three 
were  appointed,  to  see  that  no  goods  were  imported  into  this  town  from  New 
York  until  the  Revenue  acts  were  repealed." 

This  was  in  1770,  and  so  far  as  appears  of  record,  all  re- 
mained quiet  in  Glastenbnry  until  1774,  when  the  following 
address  to  the  people  of  Boston  was  adopted  and  forwarded, 
immediately  after  the  news  of  the  passage,  by  parliament,  of 
the  "Boston  Port  Bill:" 


94 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Glastenbury,  on  the  23(i  day 
of  June,  A.  D.  1774,  Col.  Elizur  Talcott,  Chairman: 

"  Voted,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  meeting  that  the  act  of  Parliament  im- 
posing a  duty  on  tea  exported  to  America,  for  the  purpose  of  raising  a  reve- 
nue, is  subversive  of  the  rights  and  liberties  of  the  British  Americans,  un- 
constitutional and  oppressive.  And  we  consider  the  late  act  of  Parliament 
for  blocking  up  the  port  of  Boston,  and  others  that  are  pending  with  respect 
to  the  province  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  designed  not  only  to  enslave  that  prov- 
ince, but,  as  we  hold  our  liberties  and  privileges  on  ihe  same  footing  with 
them,  we  consider  those  acts  as  aimed  at  the  liberties  of  all  the  English  colo- 
nies in  America. 

"  We,  therefore,  are  resolved  to  exert  ourselves  to  the  utmost  of  our  pow- 
er, in  every  lawful  way,  to  oppose,  resist,  and  if  possible,  defeat  the  designs 
of  our  enemies  to  enslave  us.  And  we  are  of  opinion,  that  the  safest  and  most 
effectual  method  to  obtain  a  repeal  of  those  acts,  and  to  restore  us  to  the 
enjoyment  of  our  rights  and  privileges,  will  be  an  universal  agreement  of  all 
the  colonies,  that  all  commercial  connections  with  Great  Britain  and  the  West 
Indies  be  withheld.  And  as  we  are  informed  that  a  General  Congress  of  all 
the  colonies  is  proposed,  we  are  of  opinion  that  such  a  Congress  would  be 
very  expedient,  and  that  [that]  Is  the  most  probable  method  to  cement  the 
colonies  together  in  a  firm  union,  on  which  (under  God,)  our  only  security 
depends.  And  when  this  Congress  shall  convene,  (which  we  hope  will  be  as 
soon  as  possible,)  we  shall  be  ready  to  adopt  any  measures  which  shall  be 
thought  by  them  to  be  the  most  effectual  to  obtain  relief  from  the  burdens  of 
which  we  so  justly  complain. 

«  Voted,  That  Col.  Elizur  Talcott,  William  Welles,  Capt.  Elisha  HoUister, 
Ebenezer  Plummer,  Isaac  Mosely,  Thomas  Kimberley  and  Josiah  Hale,  be 
a  committeee  of  correspondence,  to  receive  and  answer  all  letters,  and  to  pro- 
mote and  forward  such  contributions  as  shall  be  made  in  this  town,  for  the 
relief  of  our  distressed  friends  in  Boston,  and  that  they  transmit  a  copy  of 
the  proceedings  of  this  meeting  to  the  committee  of  correspondence  at  Bos- 
ton, as  soon  as  possible."* 

These  resolutions  were  enclosed  in  the  following  pertinent 
and  appropriate  letter,  which  does  honor  both  to  the  head 
and  the  heart  of  the  writer : 

"  Glassenbury  in  Connectlcutt,  23d  June,  1774. 
"  Gentlemen — 

"  We  cannot  but  deeply  simpathize  with  you  under  the  gloomy  prospects 
which  at  present  are  before  you,  on  account  of  those  oppressive  acts  of  Par- 
liament which  have  lately  been  passed,  respecting  Boston  in  particular,  and 

*  A  copy  of  this  paper  was  forwarded  to  Boston,  and  is  printed  in  Hin- 
marCs  IVar  of  the  Revolution,  pp.  68,  69. 


95 

the  province  of  Massachusetts  Bay  in  general.     Especially  when  we  consid- 
er that  our  liberties  and  privileges,  are  so  nearly  and  indissolubly  connected 
with  yours,  that  an  encroachment  upon  one  at  least,  destroys  all  the  security 
of  the  other.     It  seems  the  Parliament  of  Great  Britain  are  determined  to 
reduce  America  to  a  state  of  vassalage,  and  unless  we  all  unite  in  the  com- 
mon cause,  they  will    undoubtedly  accomplish  their  design.     We  are  sur- 
prized to  find  so  many  of  the  merchants  in  Boston  courting  favour  of  the 
tools  of  the  ministry,  and  heaping  encomiums  on  that  Enemy  to  liberty,  that 
traitor  to  his  country,  and  abettor,  if  not  author  of  all  these  evils  to  America. 
However  we  hope  the  spirit  of  liberty  is  not  yet  entirely  fled  from  Boston, 
but  that  you  will  yet  hold  out,  and  to  the  last  resist  and  oppose  those  who 
are  striving  to  enslave  America.     You  may^  depend  on  us,  and  we  believe  all 
Connecticut  almost  to  a  man,  to  stand  by  you  and  assist  you  in  the  defence 
of  our  invaluable  rights  and  privileges,  even  to  the  sacrificing  of  our  lives 
and  fortunes,  in  so  good  a  cause.     You  will  see  the  determinations  and  re- 
solves of  this  Town,  which  we  have  enclosed.     A  subscription  is  set  on  foot 
for  the  relief  of  the  poor  in   Boston,  and  what  money  or  provisions  shall 
be  collected,  we  shall  forward  as  soon  as  possible.     We  are  Informed  that 
your  house  of  Representatives  have  appointed  a  time,  for  the  meeting  of  the 
general  congress,  in  which  we  hope  all  the  colonies  will  concur,  and  that  a 
nonimportation  and  nonexportation  agreement,  will  be  Immediately  come  in- 
to, which  we  doubt  not  will  procure  the  desired  eifect ;  and  notwithstanding 
the  gloomy  aspect  of  things  at  present,  we  cannot  but  look  forward,  with 
fond  hopes  and  pleasing  expectations,  to  that  glorious  era,  when  America  in 
spite  of  all  the  efforts  of  her  enemies  to  the  contrary,  shall  rise  superior  to 
all  opposition,  overcome  oppression,  be  a  refuge  for  the  oppressed,  a  nurse  of 
liberty,  a  scourge  to  Tyranny,  and  the  envy  of  the  world — then  (if  you 
stand  firm  and  unshaken  amidst  the  storm  of  ministerial  vengeance)  shall  it 
be  told  to  your  everlasting  honor,  that  Boston  stood  foremost  in  the  cause  of 
liberty,  when  the  greatest  power  on  Earth  was  striving  to  divest  them  of  it, 
and  by  their  noble  efforts,  joined  with  the  united  virtue  of  her  sister  Colo- 
nies, they  overcame,  and  thereby  transmitted  to  posterity,  those  invaluable 
rights  and  privileges,  which  their  forefathers  purchased  with  their  blood — and 
now  Gentlemen  relying  on   your  steadiness  and  firmness  in  the  common 
cause,  we  subscribe  y  most  obdt  Humble  Servants. 

Elizur  Talcott,  Isaac  Moseley,  J 

William  Welles,  Joslah  Hale,     >  Committee."* 

Eben'r  Plummer,  ) 

The  truth  and  justice  of  the  views  herein  expressed,  were 
justified  and  sustained  by  the  course  pursued  by  the  citizens 
on  hearing  of  the  affair  at  Lexington.     InteUigence  of  that 

*  The  original  of  this  Letter  is  still  preserved  by  Deac.  George  Plummer,  the 
grand-son  of  one  of  the  Committee,  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  a  copy. 


96 

event  reaching  Glastenbury  during  divine  service,  the  facts 
were  announced  from  the  pulpit.  The  people  returned  home, 
spent  the  evening  in  replenishing  their  cartridge  boxes,  and 
early  in  the  morning  started  for  Boston. 

THE   REVOLUTION. 

The  spirit,  therefore,  which  dictated  these  papers,  was  not 
an  idle,  but  an  active  spirit,  manifesting  itself  throughout  the 
whole  period  of  the  Revolution,  apparently  with  the  utmost 
unanimity  among  the  inhabitants.  On  the  fifth  of  Septem- 
ber of  the  same  year,  (1774,)  delegates  were  appointed  to 
attend  a  county  meeting  to  be  held  at  Hartford,  on  the  15th 
of  the  same  month,  to  agree  upon  measures,  which  should 
prevent  the  consumption  of  British  manufactures.  At  the 
same  meeting  it  was  voted,  that  all  trade  with  the  West  In- 
dies should  cease  immediately,  and  a  committee  was  ap- 
pointed to  examine  the  stores  of  all  the  merchants  in  town, 
and  if  necessary,  the  merchants  themselves,  under  oath,  to 
see  that  these  resolutions  were  not  infringed  upon.  The 
Selectmen  were  also  ordered  to  purchase  two  half  barrels  of 
powder,  and  to  pay  for  the  same  out  of  the  town  treasury. 
On  the  22d  of  January,  1776,  the  Selectmen  were  further 
ordered  to  purchase  three  hundred  weight  of  powder  for  the 
use  of  the  town.  In  order  that  every  citizen  should  be  in 
readiness  to  enter  upon  the  service  of  his  country  at  the  short- 
est possible  notice,  the  following  votes  were  passed  at  a  town 
meeting,  held  in  September  of  the  same  year,  (1776 :) 

"  Voted,  That  Messrs.  Joseph  Moseley,  Thomas  Kimberly,  Eleazer  "Wright, 
Elijah  Hollister,  Benjamin  Hodge,  Joseph  Goodale,  Nehemiah  Strickland, 
Thomas  Hunt  and  Nathan  Dickenson,  be  chosen  a  committee  to  inspect  each 
able  bodied  man  in  this  Town  and  see  whether  each  man  is  equiped  with  a 
good  gun ;  and  if  any  man  has  a  gun  not  fixed,  the  committee  to  Avarn  such 
person  to  get  such  gun  well  fixed  within  one  week  after  such  warning ;  and 
if  any  person  is  poor  and  not  able  to  fix  their  gun,  then,  such  person  imme- 
diately to  deliver  such  gun  to  the  Selectmen  of  this  Town,  and  the  Select- 
men of  this  Town  are  to  appoint  two  judicious  freeholders  to  apprize  such 
gun,  and  then  said  Selectmen  to  fix  such  gun  at  the  cost  of  this  Town,  and  if 
the  owner  of  such  gun  shall  pay  the  Selectmen  for  fixing  said  gun  within 
six  months,  then  the  person  to  have  his  gun,  otherwise,  the  Selectmen  to  pay 


97 

said  person  what  said  gun  shall  bo  apprized  at,  and  keep  said  gun  for  the 
benefit  of  this  town. 

"  Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  purchase  bullet  moulds  of  Serjeant  Ander- 
son for  the  benefit  of  this  town. 

"  ]^oted,  That  the  Selectmen  purchase  a  ladle  to  run  bullets,  and  to  be 
kept  with  the  moulds." 

The  town  having  provided  itself  with  the  means  of  de- 
fence, next  turned  its  attention  to  the  providing  for  those 
who  were  fighting  in  defence  of  their  common  rights  and 
liberties.  On  the  20th  of  January,  1777,  the  town  directed 
the  Selectmen  to  purchase  "  Tents,  pots,  bowls,  canteens,  lead, 
&c.,  and  other  things  that  the  State  of  Connecticut  shall 
order,"  and  "  to  borrow  .£30  for  that  purpose,  and  to  make  a 
rate  sufficient  to  pay  the  same."  In  the  following  March,  a 
committee  was  appointed,  "  To  provide  provision  for  the 
families  of  those  soldiers  that  shall  enlist  in  the  Continental 
service,  the  charge  to  be  paid  by  this  Town  all  beside  the 
prime  cost." 

Owing,  partly,  to  the  frightful  mortality  which  happened 
among  the  troops  that  went  from  Glastenbury  into  the  French 
war,  and  partly,  to  the  very  high  price  of  the  necessaries  of 
life  at  this  time,  the  enlistments  into  the  Continental  army 
from  this  Town,  did  not  go  on  as  rapidly  (after  the  first  burst 
of  enthusiasm  had  subsided)  as  was  desired.  In  order  to 
encourage  persons  to  enter  the  army,  a  Town  meeting  was 
called  in  April,  1777,  where  it  was — 

"  Voted,  That  each  person,  that  shall  enlist  into  the  Continental  army  in 
this  Town  shall  receive  out  of  the  treasury  of  this  Town,  during  their  ser- 
vice for  three  years,  the  necessaries  of  life,  (they  paying  in  their  wages  to 
said  Treasurer)  as  followeth,  (viz.)  wheat  at  is.  per  bushel,  rye  at  3s.  Indian 
corn  at  2s.  and  pork  at  3d.  a  lb.  by  the  hundred ;  and  all  other  necessaries 
of  life  in  the  same  proportion." 

In  September  of  the  same  year  a  committee  was  appoint- 
ed,"  To  provide  shirts,  frocks,  shoes  and  'overhalls'  for  the 
soldiers  in  the  Continental  army  belonging  to  this  Town  at 
the  charge  of  the  Town,"  and  the  committee  were  directed 
to  borrow  money  whenever  necessary  for  this  purpose.  The 
Selectmen  were  also  directed  to  send  two  loads  [of  provision] 
7 


98 

to  Boston,  and  to  purchase  two  loads  of  salt  to  be  delivered 
to  the  committee  here,  to  be  sold  for  the  benefit  of  the 
soldiers  in  the  army  from  this  Town. 

"While  Glastenbury  was  doing  all  in  its  power  to  promote 
the  cause  of  American  freedom,  she  was  obliged  to  do  her 
share  in  restraining  the  liberties  of  her  country's  enemies, 
though  she  seems  to  have  had  but  few  tories  among  her  own 
sons.  At  a  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly  in  October, 
1776,  complaint  was  preferred  against  two  prominent  individ- 
uals, as  being  inimical  to  the  rights  and  liberties  of  the 
State,  and  asking  for  their  removal  to  some  place  of  safety. 
A  trial  was  had,  the  offenders  found  guilty,  and  sentenced, 
"  To  be  removed  to  the  society  of  Eastbury,  in  the  town  of 
Glastenbury  ;  there  to  remain  in  said  society  under  the  civil 
authority  and  Selectmen  of  the  town,  at  their  own  cost,  un- 
til further  orders  ;  with  directions  that  they  were  not  to  re- 
ceive or  send  any  letters  until  they  should  have  been  perused 
by  the  civil  authority."  The  gentlemen  referred  to  were 
Ralph  Isaacs,  Esq.,  (who  was  removed  to  Durham  in  De- 
cember, on  account  of  ill  health,)  and  Abiathar  Camp,  who 
was  removed  to  Wallingford  in  December,  1777.  Mr.  Camp 
took  the  oath  of  fidelity  to  the  State  while  remaining  in 
Glastenbury.* 

During  the  year  1778,  committees  were  continued  to  pro- 
vide for  the  families  of  the  soldiers,  and  also  clothing  and' 
other  necessaries  for  the  soldiers  themselves ;  duties  which 
seem  to  have  been  discharged  without  difficulty. 

Another  event,  however,  happened  within  this  and  the  pre- 
ceding year,  which  must  have  been  full  of  interest  to  the 
quiet  inhabitants  of  this  rural  Town  ;  we  mean  the  tempo- 
rary removal  of  a  portion  of  Yale  College  to  Glastenbury. 
In  April,  1777,  the  price  of  provisions  was  so  high,  and  the 
difficulty  of  obtaining  board  so  great  in  New  Haven,  that  it 
was  deemed  necessary  to  provide  other  places  for  the  stu- 
dents. The  Freshman  class  was  sent  to  Farmington  ;  the 
Sophomore  and  Junior  classes  under  the  direction  of  the 

*  Hin.  Wur.  Rev.  241,  399,  SOS. 


99 


Professor  of  Mathematics — Hon.  Nelicmiah  Strong,  came  to 
Glastenbury.  They  boarded  among  the  citizens,  making 
their  headquarters  at  the  house  of  William  Welles,  son  of 
Jonathan  Welles,  a  graduate  of  Yale,  and  who  was  also  a 
Tutor  in  the  same.  The  house  is  still  standing  and  is  in  the 
possession  of  Mr.  Joseph  Stevens.  Of  the  members  of  Col- 
lege at  this  time,  one  was  Jonathan  Brace,  afterwards  for 
many  years  a  resident  of  the  Town.* 

At  the  October  session  of  the  General  Assembly,  1777,  pro- 
vision was  made  that  all  the  freemen  of  the  State  should 
take  the  oath  of  fidelity  to  the  State  and  country,  and  that 
no  person,  not  having  taken  this  oath,  should  be  permitted 
to  vote  in  any  town,  society  or  other  public  meeting  ;  to  hold 
any  office,  practice  any  profession,  nor  make  any  bargain  for 
the  purchase  or  sale  of  any  property  real  or  personal. f  The 
following  list  contains — 

(1)  Those  who  took  the  oath  of  fidelity  and  the  year  of 
taking  the  same, 

(2)  The  Ecclesiastical  Society  to  which  they  belonged,  so 
far  as  can  be  ascertained.  Those  having  "  G"  added  belong- 
ed to  the  1st  Society,  those  with  "E"  added,  belonged  to  the 
second. 

(3)  The  names  of  persons  known  to  have  been  in  the 
Revolutionary  war. 

Those  printed  in  Italic  denote  that  they  were  in  the  Mili- 
tia. Those  in  small  caps  were  in  the  regular  line,  for  three 
years,  or  for  the  war.  Those  in  CAPITALS,  died  in  the 
service. 


Alger,  A?libel, 

G. 

1777. 

Baley,  Aaron. 

Andrews,  Benjamin, 

3  779. 

Bell,  Elizur, 

G. 

1779. 

Andrews,  Charles, 

E. 

17  79. 

Benton,  Edward, 

G. 

1777. 

Andrews,  Charles,  Jr., 

E. 

177'J. 

Benton,  Josiah, 

G. 

1779. 

Andrews,  David. 

Benton,  Josiah,  Jr., 

G. 

1782. 

Andrews,  John. 

Benton,  Ebenezer, 

G. 

1779. 

Andrews,  Joseph. 

Beuel,  Joseph, 

1779. 

ANDREWS,  tOLOMON. 

Bidwell,  Hezekiali, 

E. 

1777. 

Andrews,  Daniel, 

G. 

1777. 

BIDWELL,  JOSEPH. 

*Wol.  H.  Y    C.  31,32. 
t  Hin.  War  Rev.  2SS,  2S9. 


100 


Bidwell,  Joseph,  (the  2d,) 
Bidwell,  Jonathan, 
Bidwell,  Thomas. 
Bidwell,  Samuel, 
Bigelow,  David, 
Blish,  David, 
Brace,  Jonathan, 
Brewer,  Israel, 
Brooks,  David. 
BROOKS,  ELIZUR. 
BROOKS,  ELIJAH. 
Brooks,  Joel, 
Brooks,  John, 
Brooks,  Josiah, 
Brooks,  Samuel, 
Brooks,  Thomas,  Jr., 

Camp,  Abiathar,  of  N.  H. 
Canada,  David. 
Case,  John. 

Chamberlain,  Benjamin, 
Chamberlain,  Daniel, 
Chamberlain,  Richard, 
Chamberlain,  William, 
Chapman,  Jonah, 
Churchill,  Jesse. 
Churchill,  Joseph, 
Cole,  David. 

Coleman,  Asaph,  M.  D., 
Colebert,  Robert. 
CoNLKY,  John. 
Covel,  Elijah, 
Covel,  John, 
Covel,  Phillip, 
Covel,  Samuel, 
Ceary,  Richard. 
Cross,  John, 
CUNNINGHAM,  DENNIS 

Daniel,  David, 

Dealing,  Samuel. 

Dickinson,  David, 

Dickinson,  David,  Jr., 

Dickinson,  Nathan, 

Dickinson,  Thomas, 

DOANE,  SETH. 

Dutton,  Wm.,  (Brit.  prison'r,)E.  nVQ 

Eddy,  John. 


1779. 

Finley,  John, 

E. 

1777. 

G. 

1779. 

Follen,  John, 
Foster,  Peter. 

E. 

177S. 

G. 

1779. 

Fox,  Abraham. 

E. 

1777. 

FOX,  ASA. 

E. 

1777. 

Fox,  Amos, 

E. 

1779. 

G. 

177S. 

Fox,  David, 

G. 

17S0. 

E. 

1777. 

Fox,  Ebenezer, 

G. 

1779. 

Fox,  Hosea, 

G. 

1777. 

Fox,  Isaac, 

E. 

1777. 

Fox,  Israel, 

E. 

1777. 

1779. 

FOX,  JOHN. 

1777. 

Fox, Jonah, 

E. 

1777. 

17S0. 

Fox,  Jcduihan, 

E. 

1779. 

Fox,  I^emuel. 

E. 

1779. 
1779. 

Fox,  Richard, 
Fox,  Russell. 
Fox,  Simeon. 

E. 

1777. 

Fox,  Stephen, 

E. 

1777. 

Fox,  William, 

E. 

1777. 

E. 

1779. 

Freeman,  Samson. 

E. 

1777. 

Freeman,  Sifax. 

1779. 

Fuller,  Barnabas, 

G. 

1779. 

1779. 

1777. 

Gains,  Jonathan, 
Gains,  John. 

G. 

1779. 

E. 

1777. 

GAINS,  LEVI, 

Gains,  Nathaniel, 

G. 

1779. 

G. 

1777. 

Gibson,  Samuel, 

E. 

1777. 

Gofl",  Aaron, 

E. 

1779. 

Goodalc,  Asa, 

E. 

1779. 

1779. 

Goodale,  Ebenezer, 

1779. 

E. 

1779. 

Goodale,  Elisha, 

1779. 

E. 

1779. 

Goodale,  Isaac, 

E. 

1779. 

E. 

1779. 

Goodale,  Joseph, 

E. 

1777. 

Goodale,  Joseph,  Jr., 

E. 

1777. 

G. 

1779. 

Goodrich,  David, 

1777. 

Goodrich,  David,  2d, 

G. 

1780. 

Goodrich,  Elisha, 

G. 

1779. 

E. 

,  1779. 

Goodrich,  Elizur, 
Goodrich,  George, 

G. 

1782. 
1779. 

E. 

,   1779. 

Goodrich,  Isaac, 

G. 

1779. 

E 

.   1779. 

Goodrich,  Israel. 

1779. 

Goodrich,  Jehiel, 

G. 

1779. 

1779. 

Goodrich,  John, 
Goodrich,  Roswell. 

G. 

1777. 

•,)E 

;.  1779. 

Goodrich,  Lieut.  Stephen, 
Goodrich,  Wait. 
Geover,  Liet't.  Phinehas 

G. 

1779. 
1779. 

101 


Hale,  Benjiimin, 
Hale,  Benjamin,  Jr., 
Hale,  Daniel, 
Hale,  David, 
Hale,  Elisha, 
Hale,  Elizur,  M.  D., 
Hale,  Gideon, 

HALE,  CAPT.  JONATHAN 
HALE,  JONATHAN,  2d 
Hale,  Josiah, 
Hale,  Newport. 
Hale,  Samuel, 
Hale,  IVilliam. 
Hale,  Thcodoi-e, 
Hale,  Timothy, 
Hale,  Timothy,  Jr., 
HAYARD,  BENJAMIN. 
Hildreth,  William, 
HILL,  BENJAMIN. 
Hill,  Daniel, 
Hill,  Elijah, 
Hill,  Elisha, 
Hill,  Samuel,  Jr., 
Hodge,  Benjamin, 
Hodge,  Benjamin,  Jr., 
Hodge,  Elijah, 
Hodge,  John, 
Hodge,  John,  Jr., 
HoLDEN,  John. 
Hollister,  Abraham,  Jr., 
Hollistcr,  Aaron, 
Hollister,  Amos, 
Hollister,  David. 
Hollister,  Elijah, 
Hollister,  Elisha, 
Hollister,  Gideon, 
Hollister,  Gideon,  Jr., 
Hollister,  George, 
Hollister,  Serj't  Israel. 
Hollister,  Jonathan, 
Hollister,  Josinh. 
Hollister,  Joseph, 
Hollister,  John. 
Hollister,  Nathaniel, 
Hollister,  Nehemiah, 
Hollister,  Plenny, 
Hollister,  Roswell. 
Hollister,  Stephen, 
Hollister,  Ens.  Thomas, 


G. 

1777. 

Hollister,  Thomas,  Jr., 

E. 

177S. 

G. 

17S0. 

Hollistcr,  Theodore, 

1779. 

1777. 

Holmes,  Appleton, 

E. 

1779. 

G. 

1777. 

Holmes,  William, 

E. 

1779. 

G. 

1779. 

Hotchkins,  John. 

17S0. 

G. 

1779. 

House,  Benoni, 

1777. 

G. 

1777. 

House,  Benjamin, 

1777. 

N. 

House,  Elazarus, 

E. 

17S0. 

House,  Jonathan, 

G. 

1777. 

G. 

1777. 

House,  Samuel. 

House,  William, 

E. 

1777. 

G. 

1777. 

Howe,  Elisha, 
Howe,  John, 

E. 

1779. 
1777. 

G. 

1777. 

Howe,  John,  Jr., 

1779. 

G. 

1777. 

Howard,  Benjainin. 

1777. 

Hubbard,  Aaron, 
Hubbard,  David. 

E. 

1777. 

E. 

1779. 

Hubbard,  Eleazer, 

E. 

1779. 

HUBBARD,  ELIJAH, 

G. 

1779. 

Hubbard,  Capt.  Elizur, 

E. 

177  9. 

E. 

17S0. 

Hubbard,  Ephraim, 

E. 

1777. 

E. 

1779. 

Hubbard,  Hezekiah, 

E. 

1777. 

E. 

1779. 

Hubbard,  Jonathan, 

1777. 

E. 

1777. 

Hubbard,  Josiah. 

E. 

1779. 

Hunt,  Thomas, 

E, 

,   1777. 

1777. 

Hunter,  Benjamin, 

G. 

,  1779. 

G. 

1777. 

Huxford,  Henry, 

1779- 

G. 

1777. 

Huxford,  John. 
Huxiord,  Peter, 

1777. 

1777. 
1779. 
1777. 

1777. 
1777. 
1779. 

1777. 
1779. 


Jones,  Lemuel, 
Jopp, John, 

Kilborn,  Joseph, 
Kimberley,  Thome 


G.   1777. 


G.   1779. 


1779. 
1777. 


G.  1771 


E. 

1777. 

E. 

1779. 

1779. 

G. 

1777. 

E. 

177S. 

LAMB,  JOSEPH. 
Lindsley,  Felix, 
Loomis,  Josiah. 
LOVELAND,  ASA. 
Loveland,  David, 
Loveland,  David,  Jr., 
Loveland,  Elisha. 
Loveland,  Elizur, 
LOVELAND,  GAD. 
LOVELAND,  JONATHAN. 
LOVELAND,  JOEL. 
Loveland,  Lazarus, 
Loveland,  Lot,  Jr. 


1779. 


G.  1777. 
17S0. 


1779. 


17S0. 


102 


LovELAND,  Levi, 

E. 

1779. 

LovELAND,  Thomas. 

Loveland,  Pelatiah, 

E. 

1779. 

Loveland,  Solomon, 

3  777. 

Loveland,  Thomas,  Jr., 

1779. 

Matson,  Amos, 

G. 

1777. 

Matson,  Amos,  Jr., 

G. 

1779. 

Matson,  Thomas, 

G. 

1779. 

3IcI)owel,  Ens. 

McLean,  James. 

Miller,  Abijah, 

G. 

1777. 

MILLER,  JOHN,  Jr., 

1779. 

Miller,  Matthew, 

G. 

1779. 

Miller,  William, 

1777. 

Miles,  Daniel. 

Moseley,  Isaac,  M.  D., 

G. 

1779. 

Moseley,  John, 

1777. 

Moseley,  Joseph, 

1777. 

Moseley,  William, 

1777. 

Moseley,  Syphax. 

Morley,  Dimick, 

1779. 

MORLEY,  JOHN. 

Morley,  Timothy, 

E. 

1777. 

Morley,  Thomas. 

Nedan,  Anthony. 

Nickerson,  Francis. 

Nicholson,  Ambrose, 

G. 

1777. 

Nye,  David. 

Nye,  Melatiah, 

E. 

1777. 

Noulding,  Samuel, 

E. 

17S0. 

Olcott,  Isaac. 


Pease,  Jonathan, 

1779. 

Pease,  Lemuel, 

E. 

1779. 

Pease,  Ser't  Peter. 

Pease,  Samuel, 

E. 

1777. 

Perce,  Phillip, 

G. 

177S, 

Plummer,  Ebenezer, 

G. 

1777, 

Potter,  Edward, 

E. 

1779. 

PRATT,  SAMUEL. 

Price,  Samuel, 

G. 

1777. 

Pulsifer,  Sylvester, 

G. 

1779, 

Quam,  John,  (Indian.) 


Rice,  Samuel, 


G.  1777. 


Risley,  Benjamin, 
Risley,  Charles, 
Risley,  Job, 
Risley,  Reuben, 
Risley,  Thomas, 


Scott,  Adonijah, 

Scott,  Ebenezer, 

Scott,  Moses. 

Scott,  Joseph. 

Sellew,  John, 

Sellew,  Phillip, 

SHIPMAN,  REUBEN, 

Shipman,  Stephen,    • 

Shipman,  Stephen,  Jr., 

SiMBo,  Prince. 

Simons,  Joseph, 

Skinner,  Abraham,  Jr., 

Skinner,  Benjamin, 

Skinner,  Ezekiel, 

Skinner,  Richard, 

SMITH,  ASAPH. 

Smith,  Benjamin, 

Smith,  Benoni, 

Smith,  David, 

Smith,  Elijah, 

Smith,  Elisha. 

Smith,  Isaac, 

Smith,  Jeduthan, 

Smith,  Richard, 

Smith,  Samuel, 

SMITH,  WILLIAM. 

Smithas,  William. 

Sparks,  Reuben, 

Stevens,  Benjamin, 

Stevens,  Elijah, 

Stevens,  Epaphras, 

Stevens,  John, 

STEVENS,  JONATHAN. 

Stevens,  Timothy, 

Stevens,  Thomas,  G. 

Stevens,  William,  G. 

Stocking,  George. 

Stocking,  George,  Jr. 

Stratton,  John, 

Stratton,  Samuel,  G. 

Strickland,  Nehemiah,  E. 

STRICKLAND,  JONATHAN. 

Strickland,  Simeon,  G. 

Strickland,  Stephen,  E. 


1777, 

1779, 

1777. 

E. 

1777. 

E. 

1779. 

1779. 

1777. 

G. 

1779. 

G. 

1777, 

1777, 

1777. 

E. 

1779. 

1779. 

E. 

1779. 

E. 

1779. 

E. 

1779, 

1777. 

G. 

1777. 

1779. 

1777. 

E. 

1777. 

1779. 

17S0. 

G. 

1777. 

E. 

1777. 

G. 

1777. 

1777. 

1779. 

1779. 
1779. 
1779. 


1779. 
1779. 
1779. 

1779. 
1779, 


103 


Strong,  Amos, 

Talcott,  Abraliam, 
Talcott,  A.sa, 
Talcott,  Elisha, 
Talcott,  Elizur, 
Talcott,  Elizur,  Jr., 
Talcott,  George, 
Talcott,  Josei)h, 
Talcott,  Nathaniel, 
Talcott,  Nath.,  Jr., 
Talcott,  Oliver, 
TALMADGE,  WILLIAM. 
Taylor,  John, 
Taylor,  Jonathan, 
Taylor,  Azariah. 
TAYLOR,  ASAHEL. 
Taylor,  David. 
Tennent,  Caleb, 
TREAT,  ISAAC. 
TREAT,  JOHN. 
Treat,  Jonathan. 
Treat,  Peter, 
Temple,  Joseph. 
Tryon,  Benjamin, 
TRYON,  BENJAMIN,  Jr. 
Tryon,  Elizur, 
Tryon,  Ezra, 
Tryon,  Isaac. 
Tryon,  Joseph, 
Tryon,  Thomas. 
Tubbs,  Ezekiel, 
Tubbs,  Lemuel, 

Ward,  Daniel, 
Warren,  John. 


1779. 


17S0. 

1777. 

1777. 

o. 

1777. 

G. 

1777. 

G. 

1777. 

G. 

1777. 

G. 

1777. 

17S0. 

17S3. 

G. 

1777. 

1777. 

G.   1779. 


1777. 

G. 

1777. 

G. 

1779. 

1779. 

E. 

1779. 

E. 

1779. 

E. 

1779. 

G. 

1777. 

IVeaver,  Jonathan. 
Webster,  John, 
Webster,  Jonathan, 
Webster,  Joshua. 
Welden,  Jabez, 
Welden,  Peleg, 
Welles,  George, 
Welles,  Isaac, 
Welles,  John, 
Welles,  Jonathan,  Esq., 
Welles,  Capt.  Samuel, 
fVrllcs,  Samuel,  Jr., 
IVelles,  Tiiadflcus, 
Welles,  Thaddeus,  Jr., 
Welles,  William, 
Welles,  William,  2d, 
Wetherel,  Benjamin, 
Wheeler,  Lazarus, 
Wickham,  Hezekiah, 
Wickham,  John, 
Wilson,  Peleg, 
IVoodbridge,  Col.  Hoivel, 
Woodbridge,  Theodore, 
IVoodriiff,  Martin, 
IVright,  Daniel. 
Wright,  Eleazer, 
Wright,  Hezekiah, 
Wright,  James, 
Wright,  Jeremiah, 
Wright,  Samuel, 
Wyres,  Elias. 
Wyar,  James, 
Wyar,  John, 
Wyar,  Nehemiah, 
Wyllis,  Ephraim, 
Wyllis,  John, 


1779. 

1777. 

E. 

1777. 

1777. 

G. 

1777. 

G. 

1783. 

G. 

1777. 

G. 

1777. 

G. 

1778. 

G. 

1777. 

G. 

1777. 

G. 

1781. 

G. 

1777. 

177S. 

1777. 

1780. 

E. 

1779. 

E. 

1779. 

1777. 

G. 

1777. 

G. 

1783. 

E. 

1779. 

G. 

1777. 

G. 

1779. 

E. 

1779. 

E. 

1779. 

G. 

1777. 

1779. 

E. 

1779. 

E. 

1779. 

1779. 

1779. 

Citizens  of  Glastenbury  who  died  in  the  Revolution- 
ary "War. 


From  Easthury  Church  Records. 
1776,  Aug.     7,  Heard  of  the  death  of  Joel  Loveland,  who  died  at  Quebec 
a  prisoner. 
"      Oct.    29,  Heard  of  the  death  of  Solomon  Andrews,  who  died  in  the 

army  near  Ticonderoga. 
"      Nov.  20,  John  Fox  died  in  the  northern  army. 
1  777,  Jan.    14,  Heard  of  the  death  of  Elizur  Brooks,  a  captive  at  New 
York 


104 

1777,  Jan.  18,  Heard  of  the  deatli  of  Jonathan  Strickland,  a  captive  in 

New  York. 
1779,  June  18,  Heard  of  the  death  of  William  Smith,  who  was  Inthearmj-. 
1781,  Nov.  27,  Heard  of  the  death  of  Isaac  Treat,  who  died  in  the  public 

service  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania. 

From  Glastenhury  Church  Records. 

1775,  Oct.  24,  Asa  Loveland,  in  the  army  at  Roxbury. 

1776,  Mar.    7,  Capt.  Jonathan  Hale,  died  In  the  army  at  Jamaica  plains, 

Roxbury,  Massachusetts  Bay. 
"         "      23,  Dennis  Cunningham,  died  In  the  army  at  Jamaica  plains,  in 

Roxbury,  Mass. 
"      Aug.  30,  Jonathan  Loveland, }  both  died  in  the  army  at  New  York 
"         "      31,  John  Morley,  ^  with  sickness. 

"      Sep.     6,  Gad  Loveland,  died  In  the  army  at  New  York,  with  the 

wound  he  received  in  the  fight  on  Long  Island. 
"      Oct.     1,  Jonathan  Hale,  died  a  few  days  after  he  returned  sick  from 

the  army. 
"      Nov.     9,  Benjamin  Hayard,  died  in  the  army  at  or  near  New  York, 

about  the  21st  of  Oct.  last. 
"      Dec.     3,  Reuben  Shipman,      }  both  died  in  captivity,  at  New  York, 
"         "       "    William  Tammage,  j  in  Nov.  last. 
"         "     24,  Samuel  Pratt,  died  In  the  army. 
"         "      "     Jonathan  Stevens,  died  in  captivity,  at  New  York. 

1777,  Jan.  12,  Benjamin  Hills,  died  at  Durham,  on  his  return  from  captivi- 

ty, in  New  York. 
"  "         Asahel  Taylor,  died  at  New  Haven,  on  his  return  from 

captivity,  In  New  York. 
"  "        Joseph  Bid  well,  son  of  Ephraim  Bid  well,  died  at  IVIilford, 

on  his  return  from  captivity,  at  New  York. 
"      Apr.  22,  Asaph  Smith,  belonging  to  the  army,  died  at  Hartford,  with 

the  small  pox,  received  by  inoculation. 
"  "         Seth  Doane,  died  at  his  father's  In  Middle  Haddam,  on  his 

return  from  captivity  In  New  York. 

1778,  Mar.  16,  John  Miller,  Jr.,  slain  In  battle  at  German  town. 
"  "         Benjamin  Tryon,  Jr.,  died  In  the  army. 

"      May  13,  John  Treat,  died  in  captivity,  at  New  York. 
"      June  25,  Levi  Gaines,  died  In  the  army  at  West  Point. 
"      Aug.  24,  Elijah  Brooks,  sou  of  John  Brooks,  died  in  the  army  at 
West  Point. 

1779,  Feb.  17,  Joseph  Lamb,  died  in  the  army  at  Warren,  In  the  State  of 

Rhode  Island. 

1781,  Mar.  21,  Lieut.  Alexander  McDowell,  executed  at  Hartford,  for  de- 
serting the  army. 

1783,  Apr.  15,  Elijah  Hubbard,  son  of  Eleazer  Hubbard,  died  at  Jamaica 
in  captivity. 


105 

The  desponding  condition  of  the  American  army  in  the 
year  1779,  required  a  greater  degree  of  activity  on  the  part 
of  those  whose  duty  it  was  to  look  after  the  wants  and  inter- 
ests of  individuals  engaged  in  the  service  of  the  country.  In 
January,  the  town  voted  <£39  17^.  Gc/.,  to  Mr.  Elisha  Hollis- 
ter  for  pork  furnished  the  Militia  in  the  preceding  May,  and 
at  the  same  meeting,  voted  to  buy  a  considerable  quantity  of 
tow  cloth  for  tents.  It  was  also  voted,  that  all  the  money  in 
the  town  treasury  should  be  delivered  into  the  hands  of  the 
committee  who  provided  for  the  soldiers.  And  in  the  June 
following,  a  rate  of  Is.  6d.  on  the  pound  was  levied,  "  to  pur- 
chase clothing  for  the  continental  soldiers,"  and  to  supply  the 
necessities  of  their  families.  At  the  annual  meeting  in  De- 
cember, all  the  money  remaining  in  the  treasury,  derived  from 
any  source  whatever,  together  with  all  the  debts  due  to  the 
town,  were  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  committee  who  pro- 
vided for  the  soldiers'  families. 

The  year  1780  required  still  greater  efforts,  to  meet  which, 
the  town,  in  April,  petitioned  the  General  Assemby  for  au- 
thority "  to  make  a  rate  upon  the  ratable  estate  in  the  town,  to 
raise  money  as  an  extraordinary  encouragement  above  those 
wages  allowed  by  the  State,  in  order  to  furnish  all  supplies 
of  men  that  shall  be  called  to  actual  service."  In  June,  a  spe- 
cial town  meeting  was  called,  at  which  it  was  "  Voted,  That 
each  man  who  serves  in  the  State  or  Continental  service? 
have  dOs.  per  month  paid  by  this  Town,  over  and  above  what 
is  allowed  them  by  this  State."  A  committee  was  also  ap- 
pointed to  procure  the  requisite  enlistments  to  fill  up  the 
quota  of  the  town,  and  to  hire  men  to  enter  the  service,  if 
the  enlistments  fell  short  of  the  requisite  number.  The  Se- 
lectmen were  also  directed  to  make  a  rate  sufficient  to  cover 
all  tlie  expenses  of  the  same.  At  a  town  meeting  held  a  few 
weeks  later,  this  vote  was  so  far  modified  that  soldiers  were 
to  receive  50^.  a  month  from  the  town  while  in  actual  service, 
to  be  paid  in  wheat  at  4^.  6d.  a  bushel,  and  other  produce  at 
equivalent  prices,  the  town  meanwhile,  receiving  the  wages  of 
the  soldiers  paid  by  the  State.  It  may  be  well  to  remark,  in 
this  place,  that  the  legal  price  of  grains  as  fixed  by  the  Leg- 


106 

islature,  then  was,  wheat  6s.  a  bushel,  rye,  3.9.  6d.  and  Indian 
corn  Ss.  It  was  also  voted,  that  the  rate  for  this  purpose, 
should  be  6d.  on  the  pound.  At  a  special  town  meeting 
held  in  November,  an  additional  rate  of  I5.  on  the  pound  was 
laid,  payable  in  money,  or  such  provisions  as  were  required 
for  supplies  in  the  Continental  army,  at  the  option  of  the  in- 
habitants. At  the  same  meeting,  William  Welles,  Esq.,  was 
authorized  to  borrow  as  much  money  as  he  should  deem  ne- 
cessary to  purchase  provisions  for  the  army.  The  committee 
appointed  to  hire  recruits,  were  directed  to  give  their  person- 
al obligations  to  the  men  hired,  whenever  there  were  no  funds 
in  the  treasury,  the  town  engaging  to  indemnify  them  against 
all  loss.  In  December  of  the  same  year,  a  special  committee 
was  appointed  to  raise  men,  "  To  fill  up  the  battalions  to  be 
raised  for  the  defence  of  our  seaboard,"  and  "  that  the  Se- 
lectmen make  a  rate  so  large  as  they  think  necessary." 

The  same  energetic  measures  which  had  been  taken  in 
1780,  were  found  necessary  to  be  continued  in  1781.  On  the 
9th  of  January,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  divide  the 
whole  population  into  a  given  number  of  classes,  (by  a  sub- 
sequent vote,  made  eleven,)  and  whenever  a  call  was  made 
for  soldiers,  these  classes  were  to  furnish  each,  their  man, 
either  by  enlistment,  or  hiring,  and  to  furnish  them  with 
everything  requisite  but  a  gun.  In  case  of  the  failure  of  the 
class  to  furnish  the  man,  the  town  did  it  at  their  expense.  A 
tax  was  also  laid  of  "  one  penny  and  a  half  in  hard  money  on 
the  pound,  or  three  pence  State's  money."  The  town  also 
engaged  to  make  up  any  deficiencies  or  defalcations  on  the 
part  of  the  State.  In  July,  "  a  four  penny  tax  in  beef  was 
laid,  in  order  to  supply  soldiers  with  provisions.  Some  of 
the  "  classes"  having  failed  of  furnishing  a  man  for  the  ser- 
vice when  called  upon,  the  town,  at  its  annual  meeting  in 
December, — 

"  Voted,  Messrs.  Timothy  Hale  and  Theodore  Hale  be  a  committee  to 
bring  the  deficient  classes  to  condign  punishment  as  the  law  directs,  for  not 
hiring  a  man  for  the  State  service." 

During  the  year  1782,  the  committees  appointed  to  raise 


107 

soldiers  and  provide  for  their  families  were  continued,  but 
their  labors  seem  to  have  been  much  less  than  in  the  two 
years  previous.  Wheat  was  received  at  the  town  treasury  in 
payment  of  certain  taxes  "  at  9s.  a  bushel,  State  money."  In 
1783,  a  committee  was  appointed  "  to  look  up  all  the  powder 
and  ball,  guns  and  cartouch  boxes,  fines  and  forfeitures,  paid 
to  the  commanding  officers,  and  all  other  things  that  belong- 
ed to  this  town  and  have  been  receipted  out  since  the  present 
war."  This  seems  to  have  been  the  winding  up  of  the 
town's  efforts  ;  for  peace  being  declared  about  the  same  time, 
further  action  was  rendered  unnecessary. 

An  item  of  interest,  in  this  connection,  deserving  of  men- 
tion, to  the  lasting  honor  of  Eastbury,  as  evincing  her  warm 
sympathy  in  the  cause  of  freedom,  is  contained  in  the  follow- 
ing votes  passed  at  a  special  society  meeting,  held  on  the  30th 
of  July,  1779 : 

"  Voted,  That  we  will  raise  a  rate  for  those  men  that  are  to  be  enlisted,  or 
attached  to  go  into  the  army  at  this  time." 

"  Voted,  That  we  will  raise  a  rate  of  FOUR  HUNDRED  POUNDS  for 
the  aforesaid  purpose,  the  Society's  committee  to  make  said  rate,  and  the  col- 
lectors appointed  for  that  purpose  to  collect  it  forthwith." 

Another  act  done  by  the  society  of  Eastbury,  breathing  the 
same  spirit  of  freedom  toward  others  as  was  claimed  for 
themselves,  is  found  in  the  following  vote,  passed  October, 
1794: 

"  Voted,  To  give  the  Episcopalians  their  minister's  rate." 

This  being  done  when  the  law  of  the  State  would  not  re- 
lease them,  and  the  custom  of  the  country  did  not  demand 
it,  and  that  soon  after  the  appearance  of  Churchmen  in  their 
borders,  was  indicative  of  enlarged  and  liberal  views  of  free- 
dom. 

A  RETROSPECT. 

In  reviewing  the  course  pursued  by  the  people  of  Glas- 
tenbury  during  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  we  cannot  but 
admire  the  unanimity  of  feeling,   and  active  cooperation  in 


■^ 


108 

the  country's  cause,  manifested  by  the  great  body  of  the  in- 
habitants. Though  enlistments  seem  to  have  gone  on  some- 
what tardily  here,  as  elsewhere,  after  the  first  voice  of  alarm 
had  died  away,  it  evidently  arose  from  no  want  of  sympathy 
with  the  cause  of  liberty.  The  dark  pall  of  mourning  which 
rested  upon  so  many  families  at  the  close  of  the  French  war, 
could  not  have  been  forgotten,  while  the  sudden  increase  of 
price,  for  all  the  necessaries  of  life,  seemed  to  require  the 
presence  and  codperation  of  every  male  member  of  every 
family.  We  see,  therefore,  in  the  readiness  with  which  the 
people  taxed  themselves,  for  the  support  of  the  soldiers  in  the 
army,  amounting  sometimes  to  more  than  two  shillings  and 
sixpence  per  pound  a  year,  a  deep-seated  and  all-pervading 
love  of  liberty;  a  readiness  to  sacrifice  everything,  if  need  be, 
in  the  cause  of  freedom.  And  herein  they  manifested  a  spirit 
which  we  shall  do  well  to  cherish  and  cultivate,  as  the  surest 
safeguard  against  every  foreign  invasion. 

SANITARY  MEASURES. 

The  small  pox,  which  had  prevailed  in  the  country  more 
or  less  from  its  first  settlement,  became  so  widely  spread, 
during  the  Revolution,  that  preventive  means  became  indis- 
pensable to  the  welfare  of  the  country.  Among  these  means,, 
inoculation  deservedly  holds  a  high  place.  This  was  first 
permitted  in  Glastenbury,  by  vote  of  the  town,  March,  1782, 
to  be  practiced  under  the  direction  of  the  civil  authority  and 
Selectmen.  A  motion  was  made  at  the  annual  meeting  in 
December,  to  withdraw  this  permission,  but  without  etlect. 
It  was  provided,  however,  that  no  persons  should  inoculate, 
but  Doctor  Elizur  Hale  and  Doctor  Asaph  Coleman,  and  that 
they  should  be  put  under  bonds  before  doing  it.  At  a  special 
town  meeting  held  in  March,  1783,  this  permission  was  with- 
drawn, and  at  another  meeting  held  in  the  April  following, 
called,  as  would  seem  upon  this  very  subject,  the  record  in- 
forms us,  that  "  after  many  debates  and  altercations,  put  to 
vote,  whether  this  meeting  allow  inoculation  for  the  small 
pox  in  tliis  town  in  future.  Negatived."  At  the  annual 
meeting  in  December,  the  same  year,  it  was  voted  to  permit 


.I'' 


109 

inoculation  from  the  first  of  the  next  April  until  the  tenth  of 
June  following.  Things  remained  in  this  situation  until  De- 
cember, 1790,  when  inoculation  was  permitted  "  under  the 
direction  of  the  Civil  Authority  and  the  Selectment." 

BIRTH  OF  A  NATION. 

The  close  of  the  Revolution  brought  with  it  a  marked 
change  in  the  policy  of  the  country,  which  extended  its  in- 
fluence from  the  highest  to  the  lowest  and  most  inconsider- 
able of  legislative  bodies.  This  effect  manifested  itself  in 
greater  liberality  of  feeling  among  citizens  of  every  name  and 
denomination,  in  a  greater  independence  and  manliness  of 
political  action,  and  in  the  annihilation,  almost,  of  that  mi- 
nute, special  legislation,  which  previously  abounded  in  the 
doings  of  every  legislative  body,  from  the  town  meeting  to 
the  Colonial  General  Assembly.  From  being  thirteen  inde-' 
pendent  Colonies,  of  divers  interests  and  pursuits,  often  com- 
ing in  conflict  with  each  other,  they  were  now,  one  nation, 
bound  together  by  a  common  interest  and  common  liberty, 
which  had  been  obtained  by  a  compromise  of  conflicting 
interests,  and  at  the  expense  of  toil,  and  treasure,  and  blood. 
The  idea  of  citizenship  in  th'is  one  nation,  naturally  tended 
to  produce  a  loftiness  of  purpose,  and  expansiveness  of 
thought,  feeling  and  action,  which,  under  God,  has  made 
this  nation  what  it  now  is.  Hence,  whatever  tends  to  root 
out  this  feeling  of  American  citizenship,  or  even  to  obliterate 
it  from  the  mind,  as  directly  tends  to  the  overthrow  of  the 
nation. 

LEGISLATIVE  CHANGES. 

The  circumstances  already  mentioned  will  enable  us  to 
understand  a  fact,  for  which  we  might  not  otherwise  be  able 
to  account,  the  disappearance  from  the  Records,  of  many  points 
of  incidental  and  local  history.  The  town  Records,  therefore, 
cease  to  furnish  that  outline  of  history,  subsequent  to  the 
Revolution,  which  may  be  easily  gathered  from  them  before 
that  time.  Another  cause  cooperating  to  produce  this  pau- 
city of  historical  matter  in  the  records,  is  to  be  found,  in  that 


110 

state  of  quietvide,  which  succeeded  to  the  all-absorbing  period 
of  the  Revolution.  Hence,  we  find  those  records  which 
throw  light  upon  the  personal  history  of  individuals,  much 
more  deficient  at  this  period  than  in  the  earlier  history  of  the 
town.  The  guiding  clue  which  we  have  hitherto  obtained 
from  the  Legislative  enactments  of  the  town,  leaves  us  in  a 
great  measure,  at  this  point,  compelling  us  to  gather  up  our 
materials  from  other  sources,  arranging,  classifying  and  di- 
gesting them,  as  best  we  may. 

Having  pursued  the  civil  and  ecclesiastical  history  of  Glas- 
tenbury,  until  the  independence  of  the  nation,  we  shall  revert 
to  some  other  points,  essential  to  the  full  understanding  of 
the  history. 

SCHOOLS. 

There  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  the  leading  settlers 
of  Glastenbury,  designed  and  intended  to  make  the  town  a 
place,  if  not  a  seat  of  learning,  and  they  did  what  they  could 
to  lay  the  foundation  thereof.  The  School-master  was  an 
ofiicerof  the  town,  to  whom  great  respect  and  deference  were 
to  be  paid.  In  3701,  Robert  Poog  was  employed  to  teach 
for  three  months,  and  longer  if  his  labors  gave  satisfaction. 
For  the  first  quarter  he  was  to  have  X3  and  the  keeping  of 
himself  and  horse,  and  £2  a  quarter  afterward.  To  pay  the 
expense,  the  town  had  an  appropriation  made  by  a  law  of 
the  colony,  of  fortp  shillings  upon  every  thousand  pounds  in 
the  Grand  List,  known  in  the  records  as  "  Country  Money." 
The  remainder  was  to  be  paid,  half  by  tax  upon  the  proper- 
ty, and  half  by  assessment  upon  the  children  between  the 
ages  of  six  and  twelve  years,  whether  they  attended  school  or 
not.  The  labors  of  Mr.  Poog  do  not  seem  to  have  been  sat- 
isfactory;  for  the  next  year  the  "  Town's  Men,"  that  is,  the 
Selectmen,  were  directed  to  procure  a  sufficient  teacher,  the 
same  mode  of  raising  funds  being  continued.  A  few  years 
later,  it  was  specified  that  the  teachers  should  be  "  ivell  qual- 
ified to  teach  the  children,"  and  that  "  the  Masters  should  be 
paid  by  the  society,"  the  tax  upon  the  scholars  being  remit- 
ted.    Particular  attention  was  also  paid  to  the  subject  of 


Ill 

school-houses,  that  they  should  be  sufficient  in  number,  and 
conveniently  located. 

As  soon  as  the  "  East  Farms"  were  sufficiently  settled  to  be 
able  to  commence  a  school,  they  were  authorized  to  hire  a 
woman,  their  proportion  of  money  not  then  being  sufficient 
to  procure  a  "  well  qualified  Master."  One-half  of  the  school 
money  was  always  raised  by  tax  on  property,  and  many 
years  the  whole  of  it  was  so  raised.  When,  however,  any 
tax  was  laid  on  the  children,  it  was  always  with  this  pro- 
viso :  "  Boys  from  six  to  twelve  years  to  pay  whether  they  go 
to  school  or  not." 

CLERKS  OF  SCHOOLS— ELEAZER  KIMBERLY. 

Of  the  learning  of  the  early  settlers  of  this  town,  we  have 
not  the  means  of  speaking  with  much  certainty.  It  seems, 
however,  to  have  been  superior  to  what  it  has  been  since, 
though  perhaps,  not  so  generally  diffused.  The  early  town 
(including  the  school)  records  kept  by  Eleazer  Kimberly,  from 
1692  to  1708,  are  better  specimens  of  orthography  and  pen- 
manship than  can  often  be  found  at  that  early  day ;  while  the 
recods  kept  by  his  son 

Thomas  Kimberly,  from  1713  to  1730,  exceed  any  other 
records  of  that  period  that  we  have  ever  seen,  both  for  cor- 
rect spelling  and  beautiful  chirography.  The  records  be- 
tween these  two  men,  from  1708,  to  1713,  by 

Samuel  Smith,  partake  largely  of  the  peculiarities  of  the 
age. 

Thomas  Welles.  The  records  kept  by  Thomas  Welles, 
from  1730  to  1764,  begin  with  something  of  the  old  con- 
tracted court  hand,  but  pass  into  a  more  modern  style.  The 
orthography,  however,  is  good. 

Jonathan  Hale.  The  records  of  the  first  society,  (includ- 
ing the  Glastenbury  school  records  until  1796,)  kept  by  Jon- 
athan Hale  from  1731  to  1744,  are  in  a  clear  round  hand, 
with  few  peculiarities,  and  these  mainly  by  the  substitution 
of  00  for  ou  and  u ;  as,  /loose,  yoose,  poond,  etc.,  for  house,  use, 
pound,  and  the  like,  which  he  may  have  inherited  from  his 
parents,  or  have  acquired  from  the  fashionable  pronunciation 
of  educated  men  a  hundred  years  ago. 


112 

Other  Clerks.  His  successor  as  clerk  of  the  society  and 
schools  from  1744  to  1761,  was  Thomas  Welles,  already- 
spoken  of  as  town  clerk.  His  successors,  "William  Welles, 
from  1764  to  1778,  and  Isaac  Mosely  from  1778  to  1774, 
were  both  excellent  writers  and  good  clerks.  The  next,  Wait 
Goodrich,  1784,  1785,  and  Theodore  Woodbridge  from  1785 
to  1794,  were  fair  penmen.  The  proper  school  record  end- 
ing here,  we  shall  not  pursue  the  subject  further,  only  adding 
that  both  the  matter  and  the  manner  of  these  records  are 
creditable  to  all  parties  concerned,  and  the  earliest  of  them 
are  especially  so.  The  school  records  of  more' modern  days, 
would  often  sufTer  by  a  comparison  with  the  earlier. 

SECOND  SOCIETY— STEPHEN  ANDREWS. 

The  society  and  school  records  of  Eastbury,  are  kept  with 
much  completeness  and  accuracy,  but  exhibit  more  peculiar- 
ities of  orthography  and  less  beauty  of  penmanship  than 
those  of  Glastenbury.  The  first  clerk,  Stephen  Andrews,  from 
1731  to  1743,  made  few  deviations  from  the  established  order 
of  spelling.  We  find  him,  however,  sometimes  strengthen- 
ing a  word  with  additional  letters,  as,  Sallerry,  Lea^uallij^ 
etc.,  for  salary,  legally,  and  the  like. 

Elisha  Andreavs.  His  successor,  Elisha  Andrews,  from 
1743  to  1749,  had  few  peculiarities  of  spelling,  and  wrote  a 
very  respectable  hand. 

Stephen  Strickland,  the  succeeding  clerk  from  1749  to 
1763,  had  more  peculiarities  than  his  predecessors,  and  has 
preserved  the  ancient  usage  of  many  of  the  colloquial  ex- 
pressions which  still  prevail  among  the  people.  He  was  the 
best  representative  of  the  present  colloquial  usage  of  the 
town.  One  of  the  most  obvious  of  these  corruptions  is  the 
insertion  of  an  r  before  ast,  as,  parst,  larst,  etc.,  for  past,  last, 
and  the  like.  Other  corruptions,  some  of  which  can  not  be 
expressed  in  writing,  are  still  common,  and  show  the  need  of 
the  school-master  yet.  A  peculiar  usage,  of  limited  extent? 
still  current  in  a  part  of  the  town  is,  "  Ourus  and  yovrus,^^  for 
our  house  and  your  house. 

Hezekiah  Wickham,  etc.  The  records  of  the  next  socie- 
ty clerk,  Deacon  Hezekiah  Wickham,  from  1763  to  1779,  are 


113 

no  improvement  upon  those  of  his  predecessor,  though  he  oc- 
casionally filled  the  post  of  school-master  in  his  own  society. 
We  find  also  here,  a  phonographic  representation  of  words 
still  in  use;  as,  in"mee/ew,"  ^^ keepen"  "  settelen,''^  etc.,  for 
meeting;  keeping",  settling,  etc.,  with  some  occasional  peculi- 
arities, as,  "  Pasneg,"  for  parsonage,  etc.  The  successor  of 
Mr.  W.  was  Charles  Andrews,  who  held  the  office  from  1779 
to  1794,  whose  record  presents  no  striking  peculiarity. 

So  far  as  any  judgment  can  be  formed  from  the  character 
and  contents  of  the  records,  both  of  school  and  society,  it 
leads  unavoidably  to  the  conclusion  that  there  has  been  a 
relaxation  of  effort  in  the  cause  of  education  since  the  first 
settlers  passed  off  the  stage.  The  high  standard  which  our 
fathers  created  has  been  overlooked;  the  common  interest 
of  every  citizen  in  the  education  of  the  community  has  been 
forgotten,  and  the  obligation  resting  upon  all  to  contribute  of 
their  means  for  this  purpose,  has  been  denied.  As  a  natu- 
ral, if  not  a  necessary  consequence  of  this  state  of  things, 
public  education  has  been  neglected,  public  schools  have  been 
undervalued,  and  the  public  interest  mistaken.  Occasional 
efforts  have  been  made  to  remedy  this  evil,  sometimes,  by 
establishing  schools  of  a  higher  grade,  with  a  higher  stand- 
ard of  attainment,  and  sometimes  by  lowering  the  standard 
of  the  lowest ;  but  as  yet  without  any  permanent  success. 

Glastenbury  has,  therefore,  in  this  respect,  a  mission  yet 
unperformed,  upon  which  it  is  her  duty  and  her  interest  to  enter 
immediately.  The  light  that  gleams  from  her  very  name,  the 
halo  of  glory  that  encircles  her  early  English  history,  and  the 
self-denying  efforts  of  our  fathers,  all  conspire  to  exhort  us  to 
spare  no  pains  and  shrink  at  no  efforts,  necessary  to  enable 
us  to  realize  the  vision  of  our  forefathers,  making  Glasten- 
bury conspicuous  as  a  religious  and  an  educated  people. 

8 


114 


SCHOOLS. 

DOINGS  OF  GLASTENBURY  SCHOOL  SOCIETY  ;    FROM  THE  TOWN 

RECORDS. 


1700 
1701, 

1701 

1702, 
1703, 

1704, 
1706, 
1707, 
1707, 
1708, 
1709, 
1710, 
1711, 
1712, 

1713, 
1714, 

1715, 
1716, 
1717, 
1718, 
1719, 
1719, 
1720, 
1721, 
1722, 


1723 
1724, 

1725, 
1726 
to 
1728, 
17-^9, 

1730, 
1731, 


12 


11 


5J 


21 


The  town  "voted  to  build  a  school-house,  eighteen  feet 
square  besides  the  chimney." 

"  A  sufficient  schoolmaster  to  be  procured, — to  be  paid  the  40s. 
on  the  £1000,  country  rate,  and  the  remainder,  one-halfby 
rate  on  the  town,  and  the  other  half  by  those  who  have  child- 
ren of  suitable  age  to  attend,  whether  they  go  to  school  or 
not." 

Selectmen  hired  Robert  Poog  to  be  Scholmaster,  £3  for  the 
1st  quarter,  £2  for  the  2d,  etc.,  himself  and  horse  to  be  kept. 

Vote  of  last  year  re-enacted. 

"  Schoolmaster  to  be  paid  according  to  agreement  made  by 
Selectmen." 

"  Capt.  Welles,  Lt.  S.  Hale,  Segt.  J.  Hubbard,  School  Cora." 

Com.  to  hire  "  a  man  well  qualified  to  teach  the  children." 

"  Com.  to  hire  Schoolmaster"   At  another  meeting — 

"  Selectmen  to  be  Committee." 

"  The  last  3  mo.  at  Nayaug." 

"  The  1st  2  mo.  and  last  2  mo.  at  Nayaug." 

"  The  1st  4  mo.  at  Naiag." 

No  mention  of  school. 

"  The  1st  4  mo.  at  Naioge.  Boys  between  6  and  12  to  pay 
whether  they  go  or  not." 

"  Two  months  at  Nayaug." 

People  at  Eastfarms  allowed  to  hire  "  a  woman  to  keep 
school  among  them  2  months." 

"  Two  months  at  the  farms  in  the  woods." 

'*  In  the  several  places  in  the  same  proportion  as  last  year." 

^  All  boys  between  6  and  11,  except  those  living  beyond  cer- 
>      tain  distance,  to  pay  whether  they  go  to  school  or  not,  and 

J      1  load  of  wood  to  be  carried  for  a  scholar  or  3s.  to  be  paid. 

"  Boys  to  pay  whether  they  go  or  not." 

"  Boys  to  pay  whether  they  go  or  not." 

"  To  be  in  the  several  places  in  proportion  to  their  payments. 
All  south  of  Sam.  Hale's  to  be  reckoned  part  of  Nayaug, 
and  all  east  of  Jos.  House,  Tho.  Morley's,  and  John  Love- 
land's,  of  East  Farms." 

"  Wood  to  be  furnished  by  Com.  and  paid  for  by  Scholars." 

*'ll  mo.  at  center — Neighug  and  East  Farms  to  have  their  share 
of  the  country  money — Corn's  appointed  in  each  place." 

"Three  Committees  ap"*." 


"  Same  Proportion  as  last  year,  what  is  required  over  40s.  in 
£1000,  to  be  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury." 

;  When  Eastbury  was  made  an  Ecclesiastical  Society. 


115 


In  1731,  each  Ecclesiastical  Society  became  a  distinct  and  independent 
School  Society,  and  the  records  of  the  school  will  be  found  in  the  records  of 
the  parish  until  17'JG,  whon  School  Societies  were  sejiarated  from  the  Ecclesi- 
astical. 


GLASTENBURY  SCHOOL    SOCIETY;    FROM    THE    RECORDS    OF    THE 
FIRST    ECCLESIASTICAL    SOCIETY. 


i 

o 
o 
S3 

"3 

1 
a 
o 

u 

a 

< 

Ml 
3 

a 

< 

a 
is 
o 
H 
a. 

173-2, 

12 

& 

4 

1733, 

12 

S 

4 

1734, 

12 

8 

4 

1735, 

12 

8 

4 

1736, 

12 

8 

4 

1737, 

12 

8 

4 

173S, 

12 

S 

4 

1739, 

12 

S 

4 

1740, 

12 

6 

4 

1741, 

12 

8 

4 

1742, 

12 

4 

4 

4 

1743, 

12 

4 

4 

4 

1744, 

12 

4 

4 

4 

1745, 

1746, 

12 

4 

'4 

4 

1749, 

1750, 

12 

4 

4 

4 

1751, 

12 

4 

4 

4 

1753, 

12 

4 

4 

4 

1756, 

6 

5 

5 

1757, 

175S, 

6 

5 

5 

1759, 

4 

4 

4 

1760, 

C 

6 

6 

A  load  of  wood  to  be  brought  for  each  scholar. 

Society  voted  £16  3s.  for  schools  this  year. 

Tlie  "  Colony   money"  being   deducted,  the  remainder  to  be 

paid,  half  by  the  Society  and  half  by  the  children. 
The  School  Master  to  be  paid  by  the  Society. 
The  Master  to  be  paid  by  the  Society.     Paid  Mr.  Nathaniel 

Collins    £32,   Joseph  Smith  £5,  Dorothy  Treat  £5  10s.  for 

keeping  school  this  year. 
The  Master  to  be  paid  by  the  Society. 
Paid  to  Mr.  Enoch  Lyman  £15  5s.,  to  Mr.  Collins  £10.  Mr. 

Jos.  Smith  £9,  Serg.  Josejjh  Hollister  for  boarding  the  Mas- 
ter £4  10s.,  andBenj.  HoUister  for  the  use  of  his  house  15s. 
2  mo.  "  above  the  brook  between  Mr.  Rich.    Smith's  house  ;" 

to  be  paid  by  the  Society.     Paid  Mr.  Pelatiah  Kilborn  £20 

13s.,    Mr.    Jo.   Smith   £10,  Mr.  David  Goodrich  £12  13s. 

Mr.  Jo.  Hollister  for  boarding    school    master  £6.   Mr.  B. 

HoUister  "  ibr  the  yoose  of  his  hoose  to  keep  school  in  Naigg 

the  year  past  £1." 
Expense  £67  12s.  6d. 
Paid  Mr.  Manoah  Smith  for  3  mo.  keeping  school  £1S,  Jacob 

Mygatt  £9  I2s.    Mr.  Charles  Treat  for  2  mo.  £12. 

Interest  on  Town  bonds  £26  12s.  lid.     The  country  money 

[40s.  on  £1000.    State  Tax]    £14  7s.~Paid  N.  School  £9. 

Middle,  £24.     South,  £23  15s." 
School  to  be   kept  as   last  year;  £15  15s.  Id.  appropriated, 

half  to  be  paid  by  Society,  and  half  by  tax  on  the  children. 
Voted  to  build  three  school  houses. 
Same  time  to  1749,  expense  not  specified. 

The    boys'  heads  to  pay    £40  15s.   lOrf.  ;  the    Society,  £lO 

15s.  lOd." 
"  Wood  to  be  brought  by  parents,"  »S;c. 
The  same  next  year. 
'  Wood  levied  on  children's  headsff' 

)  "  Maste^r  of  Middle  South  4  mo.  £S4.  Nayaug  4  mo. 
>  £80; — Interest  on  Town  bonds,  £81  12s.,  country  mo- 
)      ney  £50  Ss." 

'  Wood  to  be  jiaid    for   as  last  year."     "  Voted,  to  pay  Ser. 

Oliver  Noble  of  Hebron  £6  5s.  for  keeping  school  3  mo." 

Schools  to  be  kept  for  a  short  time  near  Charles  Eddy's  and 

Thomas  Matson's. 
•And  2  mo.  at  the    South  end,  and  2  mo.  at  the  South  East 

corner  of  the  Town." 


116 

Year 

1761.  "Schools  as  last  year.     Voted  to  build  a  school  house  in  the  South 

East  part  of  the  Town." 

1762.  Schools  as  last  year  ;  to  be  paid  for  by  Society. 

1763.  Schools  as  last  year,  the  two  lower  schools  to   have  I  as  much  money 

as  the  others  ; — "  wood  to  be  laid  on  children's  heads  or  polls." 

1764.  Voted  to  build  a  school  house  at  the  south  end  of  the  Town.     Voted  to 

Middle  School  £21  12s.  ;  to  the  Upper  School  £21  12s.  ;  to  "  Neigh- 
tgg"  £21  12s.  ;  to  Matson  [hill]  £7  4s. ;  and  to  South  School  £7  4s." 

1765.  Schools  as  last_year.     Board  of  Teachers  not  to  be  over  five  shillings  a 

week. 

1766.  Schools  as   last  year.     "  Wood    to    be    laid   on   children's  polls"   and 

"  teachers  to  be  paid  in  grain."     Voted   to  build  a  school  house  in  the 
North  District. 

1767.  Schools  and  w^ood  as  last  year.     Proper   proportion  of  money  for  each 

district  to  be  determined  by  judges  chosen  for  the  purpose. 

1768.  Schools  as  last  year  ;   teachers  not  to  have  more   than   £3  a  month, — 

Voted  to  build  a  school  house  in  the  middle  district. 

1771.  Schools  as  last  year, — old  center  school  house  to  be  sold. 

1772.  Schools  as  last  year. 

1773.  One  month  to  be  added  to  North  and  "  Neiogg"  schools. 

r  Schools  to  be  kept  as  usual,  before  last  year  ;  one  month  being  added 
■       J       to  the  South  and  South  East  schools  ;  "  wood  to  be  laid  on  the  heads 
(^      of  the  children  in  each  district." 

1776.  Schools,  as   last   year, — "wood  to   be   laid  on  the  children's  heads." — 

North,  Middle   and  Nayaug  to  have   £18  for  schools.    Matson's  and 
Lower  end  District  to  have  £9  each. 

1777.  Schools  and  School  money  same  as  last  year. 

1778.  Schools  to  be  paid  according  to  the  time   they  are  kept.     Paid  Teach- 

ers, Capt.  Wait  Goodrich,  £18, — Joseph  Moseley,  £18, — Jonathan 
HoUister,  £18,  Stephen  Goodrich,  £9. 

1779.  Schools  to  be  "  kept  the  usual  time  at  the  usual  places,  at  the  Society's 

expense." 

1780.  Vote  of  last  year  repassed. 

1781.  "  £18  voted  to  North,  Middle,  and  Nayaug  Schools,  £9  to  each  of  the 

others,  in  lawful  money,  or  an  equivalent  in  continental  bills."  At 
a  meeting  held  a  few  months  after, — "  Voted  the  whole  of  said  meet- 
ing void  as  not  being  a  full  meeting."  "Voted  to  the  three  districts 
mentioned  above,  12  bushels  of  wheat,  or  its  equivalent  in  bills,  and 
to  the  other  districts  in  the  same  proportion." 
This  year  this  school  Society  established  six  school  Districts,  one  at  the 
South  end  of  the  Town, — one  at  the  South  East  corner  of  the  Socie- 
ty,— one  including  what  is  now  the  central  part  of  South  Glasten- 
bury,  and  three  others  on  the  main  street  South  of  Hartford  line,  and 
directed  that  a  school  should  be  kept  at  least  four  months  in  each  year, 
in  each  district. 
1782-3  and  4.  £12  allowed  to  each  district,  if  they  keep  school  4  months. 
A  new  school  house  was  built  in  the  S,  District  this  year,  cost  £81, 
5s.  3d, 


117 

17S5.     Districts  to  keep  sciiool  5  mo.  and  receive  j£lo. 

1786-7  to  90.     Schools  to  be  kept  5  mo.,  salaries  not  exceed  £3  per  mo. 

1791.  Same  as  last  year.  New  district  established,  and  £12  appropriated  to 
the  two  Northern,  and  £13  lOs.  to  the  other  five,  being  nearly  in  the 
proportion  of  scholars  from  4  to  11.  A  new  school  house  to  be  built 
and  scholars  between  4  and  14  to  be  enumerated,  and  the  list  given 
to  Soc.  Com. 

1792-3  to  5.     £91,  10s.  voted  for  schools. 

Glastenbury  School  Society  from  the  School 
Society  Records. 

From  the  first  settlement  of  the  country  until  1795,  all  the 
business  of  the  Public  Schools  was  transacted  at  the  Society 
meetings  of  those  Ecclesiastical  bodies  which  had  been  es- 
tablished by  law.  By  an  Act  passed  that  year,  the  School 
and  the  Society  were  separated,  and  their  respective  duties 
have  since  been  discharged, — (so  far  as  duties  to  the  school 
have  been  discharged) — by  different  bodies.  From  this 
period,  too,  dates  the  establishment  of  Districts.,  as  distinct 
bodies ;  for  though  these  had  been  previously  established,  it 
was  only  as  a  matter  of  convenience,  and  being  without 
specific  local  limits,  did  not  require  the  residents  of  the  sev- 
eral Districts  to  send  to  the  school  in  the  District  where  they 
resided.  This  was  the  practice  of  the  first  Society,  and  was 
declared  by  vote,  to  be  the  intention  of  the  people  of  the  sec- 
ond Society. 

1 796,  There  is  no  record  of  a  meeting  of  the  School  Society  of  Glastenbury, 

in  1795,  but  in  1796,  a  committee  appointed  at  a  previous  meeting 
reported  the  following  appraised  value  of  the  several  School  Houses 
in  the  Society. 

(1)  That  by  Mr.  Alger's,  £7,    15s.  (Hopewell.) 

(2)  "  "  Taylor's,          £38,  5s.  6c?.  (South  Part.) 

(3)  »  "  Woodbridge's,£8,    7s.  2d.  (South  Village.) 

(4)  "     Mr.  Gideon  Hale's,  £21,  Os.  lOd.  (Centre.) 

(5)  "       "  Griswold's,    £10,  4s.  (Green.) 

(6)  "       »  AVelles,         £33,  8s.  4d  (North  Glastenbury.) 

(7)  "       "  Smith's,        £13,  lis.  5c?.  (Pratt's  Ferry.) 

1797,  £91,  10s.  raised  by  tax  for  schools. 
1797,  £76,  13s.  Ik/,  voted  for  school  houses. 

1800,    A  tax  levied,  which,  with  the  public  money  shall  amount  to  £108,  to 
be  divided  according  to  the  attendance. 


118 

1801-2.  £108  expended  for  schools, — what  the  public  money  did  not  supply, 

being  raised  by  tax  on  all  the  inhabitants. 
1803,  No  record  of  rate  made. 

1805,   Teachers  to  be  examined  by  three  or  more  of  the  Board  of  Overseers. 

1808,   Voted  to  apply  the  '•  Loan  money"  to  schools, — the  interest  this  year 

being  applied  to  buy  a  hearse,"  &c. 

Nayaug  District  established  this  year,  and  Manoah  Smith  apppointed 

the  first  District  Committee. 

1817,   Voted  $20  to  schools,  in  addition  to  the  Public  money  derived  either 

from  Town  or  State. 
1820,    The  following  vote  appearing  in  the  Society  Records,  though  not  the 
doings  of  the  Society,  as  such,  is  an  important  item  in  our  school 
history.     At  a  full  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Visitors,  it  was, — 
Voted  unanimously  ;  That  the  several  instructors  of  the  District  Schools  in 
this  Society,  be  directed  to  instruct  the  children  in  their  respective  schools, 
in  the  rudiments  o    literature,  religion,  morals,  and  manners  ;  particularly  in 
a  knowledge  of  spelling,  reading,  and  writing,  and  they  are  directed  not  to 
instruct  the  children  in  Arithmetic,  Grammar  and  Geography  during  regu- 
lar school  hours." 

The  object  of  this  measure  was,  to  raise  the  standard  of  education,  by  com- 
pelling children  to  attend  the  High  School  or  Academy.  The  practical 
operation,  however,  seems  to  have  been  different  from  what  was  intended, 
and  to  have  tended  downward,  rather  than  upward,  as  similar  efforts  always 
will. 

1823,   Burying  ground  at  Church  established,  half  an  acre  having  been  pur- 
chased at  S50. 
1828,   High  School  at  North  Glastenbury  established. 
1837,   Bounds  of  Districts  reestablished. 

1844,  Regulations  of  the  Burying  Ground  at  the  Green,  and  by-laws  passed ; 

confirmed  by  the  Legislature  in  1845. 

1845,  This  School  Society  divided,  and  called  Glastenbury  and  South  Glas- 

tenbury. 

Eastbury  School  Society  ;  from  the  Soc.  Records. 


Expense  £7,  16s.  «'  half  on  children's  heads."  Board,  £3,  18s. 
Teachers,  Gideon  Hollister,  Dan'l  Wright,  and  Edvv'd  Boardman. 

Mr.  Easton  £5,  2s.  2d.  ;  John  Waddams  £2,  9s.  M.  ;  Mr.  Strick- 
land, for  boarding  Teachers,  £5,  19s.  "  Voted  the  Society  pay 
the  school-master,  and  not  the  heads." 


tS 

a 

i 

1732, 

6 

3 

1733, 

6 

4 

1734, 

6 

4 

1735, 

6 

4 

173b, 

6 

4 

1737, 

173S, 

5 

"  Heads  not  to  pay." 

Same  as  last  year.     Paid  Mr.  Easton  £7,  5s. 
Society  voted  "  not  to  pay  for  a  school-master." 
Expense  £4,  7s.  Qd.  and  £3,  5s.  6rf. 


119 


1739, 
1740, 

1741, 
1742, 


1743, 

1744, 
1745, 
1746, 
1747, 

174S, 
1749, 

1750, 


1751, 
1752, 

1753, 
1754, 
1755, 
1756, 
1757, 
175S, 
1759, 
1760, 
1761, 

1762, 
1763, 
1764, 
1765, 
1766, 
1767, 
1768, 

1769, 
1770, 
1771, 
1772, 
1773, 
1774, 
1775, 

1776, 

1777, 


"Jonathan  Wickham  for  keeping  school,  j£ll,  5j." 
Voted  not  to  raise  a  tax,  but  to  make  a  rate  on  children's  heads,  for 
what  the  Society  funds  and  "  Country  money"  will  not  pay. 

Voted  for  school?,  £16,  12s.  "  Country  money  amounting  to  £5, 
8s.  Paid  Mr.  Webster,  £7,  4s.  Stephen  Andrews,  £4,  14s.,  Jona- 
than Wickham,  £14,  4s." 

Paid  "  Mr.  Easton,  3  w.  and  3  d.  £3,  Is.  ;  Gideon  Hollister,  1  mo. 
£4,  5s. ;  Daniel  Wright,  S  w.  £4 ;  Pelatiah  Kilborn,  3  mo.  2  w. 
and  3  d.  £15,  8s.  2d." 

"  David  Dickinson,  6  w.  2  d.  £7,  10s.  ;  Mr.  Easton,  4  mo.  1  w.  4  d. 
£16,  10s.  8d." 

"  Stephen  Andrews,  £12,  IDs.  ;.  Jona.  Wickham,  £9,  7s.  Gd.  ;  Jo- 
seph Easton,  £4;  Deac.  Hollister,  1  mo.  3  w.  £10,  13s.  9rf." 

"  J.  Wickham,  2  mo.  £12,  10s. ;  John  Kimberly,  5  w.  £7,  IDs. ; 
Tho.  Morly,  6  w.  3  d.  £10,  2s.  Id." 

"  D.  Dickinson,  1  mo.  3  d.  £6,  6s.  Sd.  ;  E.  Andrews,  1  mo.  3  w. 
£14  ;  Capt.  D.  Hubbard,  3  mo.  1  w.  5  d.  £27,  10s." 

"  E.  Hubbard,  2  mo.  £20  ;  Job  Wrisly,  2  mo.  3  d.  £21  ;  E.  Crock- 
er, 3  w.  5  d.  £9,  10s." 

"  E.  Hubbard,  2  mo.  £20  ;  Capt.  D.  Hubbard,  2  w.  3  d.  and  board- 
ing himself,  £12,  5s. ;  John  Hill,  2  mo.  4  d.  and  boarding  himself, 
£23,  16s.  Sd." 

"  Ens.  Benj.  Strickland,  3  mo.  3  w.  3  d.  £54,  5s. ;  Tho.  Hollister, 
1  mo.  1  w.  £17,  10s.  ;  Capt.  Hubbard,  3  w.  3  d.  £15,  5s.,  each 
boarding  himself." 

Voted  to  build  a  school  house. 

"J.  Goodale,  3  mo.  £34,  10s.  ;  Ab.  Fox,  £17;  John  Gustin,  Jr. 
6  w.  £17." 

Expense,  £79,  10s. 

Expense,  £93,  15s. 

Expense,  £78. 

Expense,  £84.     Added  after  £S,  Ss. 


"  According  to  law." 

2  "  £15,  7s.  2d.  half  paid  by  society,  half  by  children's  heads." 

3  Voted  to  build  three  school  houses, — one  14  by  16,  and  the  other 
two  12  by  14. 

"  To  be  paid  by  the  society."  Cost  of  the  three  houses,  £56, 14s.  6c?. 

Expense,  £47,  lis.  5rf. 

Expense,  £25,  9s. 

Expense,  £25,  Is.  Sd.     "Heads  of  scholars  to  find  fire  wood." 

Expense,  £24,  12s.  6d.  3/. 

Expense,  £27,  10s.  9d. 

"  Time  to  be  according  to  the  list,"  and  "the  heads  of  children  to 

find  firewood,"  £24,  12s.  Id. 
£32,  Is.  Gd.  according  to  the  List. 
£26,  19s.  Gd. 
£33,  7s.  l^d.  including  £5,  13s.  for  boarding  Teachers. 

"  Wood  to  be  got  by  the  heads  that  go  to  school,"  £36,  Is. 

"  Voted  not  to  pay  over  £2,  10s.  a  month  for  keeping  school." 

A  school  house  24  by  IS  to  be  built  in  the  N.  District,  at  a  cost  of 
£60.     Expense  of  school  £26,  17s.  Id. 

A  school  house  to  be  built  in  the  E.  District  20  by  16,  with  5  win- 
dows, and  20  squares  of  glass  in  a  window.     Cost  £35. 
4|  Voted  to  pay  but  £2  per  month  beside  board. 


120 


1778, 


1779, 


1750, 

17S1, 
17S2, 

17S3, 
1784, 

1785, 
17S6, 
17S7, 
1788, 
17S9, 
90  to 
96, 


12 


16 


Voted  to  pay  £5,  a  montb,  the  school-masters  to  board  themselves. 
Jonah  Fox,  South  Scliool,  £15  ;  Pelatiah  Loveland,  Middle  South, 
£15;  Eleazer  Hubbard,  North  School,  £12,  10s.;  Aarou  Hub- 
bard, East  School,  £15. 

"  Voted  to  have  no  schooling  the  year  insuing,"  subsequently  recon- 
sidered, and  voted  "  wood  to  be  got  by  the  polls."  "  £32,  voted 
to  each  district."  "  Also,  that  the  money  for  which  the  old  school 
houses  sold,  should  be  taken  to  repair  the  Meeting  House." 

Teachers  "  to  have  £24  a  month  including  board." 

"  Voted  to  pay  £4  a  month  States  money." 

"  Districts  which  had  no  school  last  year  to  have  their  part  of  the 
i-noney  this.     Expense  £33,  lawful  money." 

"  At  55s.  a  month,  amounting  to  £33." 

Paid  4  teachers  £9,  each,  equal  to  £36.  Voted  "  to  build  3  school 
houses,"  the  previous  votes  not  having  been  carried  into  efl'ect. 

"  Voted  £9  to  each  district." 

At  £3  a  month. 

Voted  £48  for  schools. 

Districts  to  determine  the  time  and  place  of  schools,  £4S  voted. 

In  4  parts.  Voted  £12  to  each  district ;  they  to  have  4  mo.  school. 
After  this  year,  (1706,)  the  school  and  the  society  meetings  were 
distinct  and  separate. 


Eastbury  School  Society  Records  ;  beginning  at  1800. 

ISOO.     Voted  £60,  including  Country  and  Loan  moneys,  for  schooling. 
1801  to  1S03.     Same  rate. 

1804.     Voted  £200,  including  Country  and  Loan  moneys,  and  the  same  vote 
was  continued  year  by  year,  to  1818. 

Number  of  Scholars  enumerated^  and  amount  of  dividends  from  the  School 
Fu7id,  according  to  the  enumeration,  in  the  several  School  Societies  in  the 
toivn  of  Glastenhury  from  1820,  when  said  distrihution  commenced,  to  this 
time. 


GLASTKNBURY. 


1820,  Oct. 

1821,  March, 

1821,  Oct., 

1822,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1823,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1824,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1825,  March, 


ation. 

in 

« 

695 

243 

25 

" 

312 

75 

566  00 

705 

246 

75 

" 

317 

25 

564  00 

690 

241 

50 

" 

345 

00 

586  50 

706 

247 

10 

" 

353 

00 

600  10 

722 

252 

70 

" 

361 

00 

613  70 

EASTBURY. 


1820,  Oct., 
1S21,  March, 

1821,  Oct., 

1822,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1823,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1824,  March, 

"      Oct., 
1S25,  March, 


Enumer- 
ation. 

Amou't. 

in  $ 

372 
382 
351 
347 
329 

130  20 
167  40 

133  70 
171  90 

122  85 
175  50 

121  45 
173  50 

115  15 
164  50 

1 

Total. 


297  60 
305  60 

298  35 
294  95 
279  65 


121 


GLASTENBURY. 


Date. 

Euumer- 
ation. 

Amou't. 
in  $f 

Total. 

1825, 

Oct., 

734 

256 

90 

1S20, 

March, 

" 

307 

00 

— 

623  90 

«« 

Oct., 

711 

248 

85 

1S27, 

March, 

" 

355 

50 

604  35 

c. 

Oct., 

70G 

247 

10 

1S2S, 

March, 

353 

00 

GOO  10 

.. 

Oct., 

G77 

236 

95 

1829, 

March, 

" 

33S 

50 

575  45 

<c 

Oct., 

GS6 

240 

10 

1830, 

March, 

" 

377 

30 

617  40 

<c 

Oct., 

639 

223 

65 

1S31, 

March, 

" 

351 

45 

575  10 

« 

Oct., 

664 

232 

40 

1832, 

March, 

" 

365 

20 

597  60 

C( 

Oct., 

663 

232 

05 

1833, 

March, 

" 

397 

80 

629  85 

«« 

Oct., 

662 

231 

70 

1834, 

March, 

397 

20 

'328  90 

a 

Oct., 

6SS 

240 

SO 

1835, 

March, 

<< 

447 

20 

OSS  00 

>< 

Oct., 

690 

241 

50 

1836, 

March, 

4b3 

00 

724  50 

« 

Oct., 

694 

242 

90 

1837, 

March, 

" 

555 

20 

798  10 

" 

Oct., 

6.50 

227 

50 

1838, 

March, 

" 

552 

50 

7S0  00 

" 

Oct., 

643 

225 

05 

1839, 

March, 

" 

573 

70 

S03  75 

" 

Oct., 

613 

214 

5f) 

1840, 

March, 

551 

70 

766  25 

" 

Oct., 

618 

216 

30 

1841, 

March, 

" 

61S 

00 

834  30 

» 

Oct., 

610 

213 

50 

1842, 

March, 

040 

50 

S.54  00 

(( 

Oct., 

641 

224 

35 

1843, 

Maich, 

" 

073 

05 

897  40 

cc 

Oct, 

617 

215 

95 

1844, 

March, 

" 

647 

85 

863  SO 

E.'VSTBURY. 


1825,  Oct., 
1S2G,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1827,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1828,  March, 

"      Oct., 
1S29,  March, 

«'      Oct., 

1830,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1831,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1832,  March, 

"      Oct., 
1S33,  March, 

"      Oct  , 

1834,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1835,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1836,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1837,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1838,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1839,  March, 

"      Oct., 
1S40,  March, 

"      Oct., 
1841,  March, 

"      Oct., 
1S42,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1843,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1844,  March, 


Enumer- 
ation. 


Amou't. 

in  $ 


340 
344 
342 
346 
349 
345 
323 
314 
312 
299 
298 
311 
269 
287 
292 
282 
315 

ii, 

296 
2S0 


119  00 
170  00 


120  40 
172  00 


119  70 
171  00 


121  10 
173  00 


122  15 
191  95 


120  75 
1&9  75 


113  05 

177  65 


109  90 
ISS  40 


109  20 
Ibl   20 


104  G5 
194  35 


104  30 
20S  60 


lOS  S5 
24S  80 


94  15 

228  65 


100  45 
258  30 


102  20 
262  SO 


98  70 
2S2  00 


110  25 
330  75 


103  60 
310  SO 


9S  00 
294  00 


Total. 


289  00 
292  40 

290  70 
294  10 
314  10 
310  50 
290  70 

298  30 
296  40 

299  00 
312  90 
356  65 
322  80 
358  75 
365  00 
380  70 
441  00 


414  40 


392  00 


122 


GLASTENBURY. 


1844,  Oct., 

1845,  March, 

"  Oct., 

1846,  March, 

"  Oct., 

1847,  March, 

«  Oct., 

1848,  March, 

"  Oct., 

1849,  March, 

"  Oct., 

1850,  March, 

"  Oct., 

1851,  March, 

"  Oct., 

1S52,  March, 


Enumer- 
ation. 

Amou't. 
in  $ 

Total. 

624 

249 

60 

(: 

624 

00 

873  60 

329 

131 

60 

li 

329 

00 

460  60 

324 

145 

80 

(( 

324 

00 

469  80 

338 

152 

]0 

(( 

338 

00 

490  10 

320 

160 

00 

" 

320 

00 

480  00 

313 

156 

50 

" 

313 

00 

469  50 

340 

170 

00 

" 

306 

00 

476  00 

347 

173 

50 

" 

312 

30 

485  SO 

EASTBURY. 


Date. 

Enumer- 
ation. 

Amou't. 
in  $ 

Total. 

1844, 
1845, 

Oct., 

March, 

Oct., 
March, 

Oct., 
March, 

Oct., 
March, 

Oct., 
March, 

Oct., 
March, 

Oct., 
March, 

Oct., 
March, 

276 

1 

256 
264 
259 

<c 

261 
(( 

278 
264 

<c 

270 

110  40 

276  00 

386  40 
358  40 
382  80 
375  55 
391  50 
417  00 
369  60 
378  00 

1846, 

102  40 
256  00 

(C 

1847, 

118  80 
264  00 

1S4S, 

116  55 
259  00 

1849, 

130  50 
261  00 

1850, 

139  00 

278  00 

1851, 

132  00 
237  60 

1852, 

135  00 
243  00 

SOUTH    GLASTENBURY. 


1845,  Oct., 

1846,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1847,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1848,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1849,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1850,  March, 

"      Oct., 

1851,  March, 

"      Oct., 
1S52,  March, 


Enumer- 
ation. 

Amou't. 
in  $ 

297 
328 
339 
351 
368 
347 
344 

lis  SO 
297  00 

147  60 
328  00 

1.52  55 
339  00 

175  50 
351  00 

IS4  QO 
36S  00 

173  50 
312  30 

172  00 
309  60 

Total. 


415  SO 
475  60 
491  55 
526  50 
552  00 
485  80 
481  60 


123 


ACADEMIES. 


Several  efforts*  have  been  made  in  this  Town,  to  establish 
schools  of  a  higher  order,  and  not  without  some  temporary 
success.  The  old  Academy  on  the  Green,  established  in 
1792,  was,  half  a  century  ago,  one  of  the  best  and  most 
flourishing  schools  in  the  State,  sought  unto  by  individuals 
from  the  surrounding  Towns.  It  aided  in  the  discipline  and 
training  of  some  of  our  most  active  and  energetic  citizens, 
in  that  class  which  is  now  becoming  advanced.  At  a  later 
period  an  Academy  was  established  at  South  Glastenbury, 
which  met  with  good  success,  until  the  burning  of  the  house. 
This  put  an  end  to  the  school,  and  the  few  who  had  borne  the 
chief  burden,  becoming  disheartened,  the  place  has  since 
been  without  any  regular  Academical  instruction.  No  list 
of  the  teachers  in  these  Academies  has  been  preserved,  but 
we  learn  from  other  sources,  that  among  those  who  have 
filled  these  offices,  have  been  the  celebrated  Noah  Webster, 
LL.  D.,  and  the  "  learned  Blacksmith,"  Elihu  Burritt.  The 
Academy  at  the  South  part  of  the  Town,  was  at  one  period 
so  flourishing,  and  embodied  such  a  degree  of  active  and 
energetic  talent,  that  the  pupils  published  a  semi-monthly 
quarto  paper,  for  some  time.  It  was  called  the  Tyro's  Cas- 
ket, and  did  them  credit,  both  in  the  matter  and  arrange- 
ment of  the  paper. 

MANUFACTURES  AND  COMMERCE. 

The  location  of  Glastenbury  on  the  bank  of  the  Connecti- 
cut river,  offered  strong  inducements  to  persuade  the  people 
to  enter  into  some  kind  of  commercial  enterprise.  What 
the  earliest  of  these  were  it  is  impossible  to  ascertain ;  but 
we  may  reasonably  infer  from  the  votes  of  the  town  that 
"  Pipe  staves,  clapboards  and  tar,"  formed  the  earliest  articles 
of  exports  These  had  been  carried  off"  in  such  quantities  as 
to  raise  great  fears  in  the  minds  of  our  ancestors,  of  the  utter 
destruction  of  the  wood  and  timber  in  town.  Accordingly, 
in  the  early  part  of  the  last  century,  we  find  the  town  pro- 


124 

hibiting,  by  severe  penalties,  the  exportation  or  wanton  de- 
struction of  timber  of  any  sort. 

As  early  as  1756,  we  find  an  excise  master  of  spiritous 
liquors,  but  whether  on  those  manufactured  or  imported,  is 
not  certain.  About  the  same  time  we  find  "  Surveyors  and 
Packers  of  Tobacco ;"  also,  "  Gaugers  and  Packers  of  Pork 
and  Beef"  all  of  whom  were  required  to  be  under  oath. 
The  amount  or  extent  of  the  trade  in  these  articles,  of  course 
can  not  be  known,  but  that  it  was  considerable,  may  reason- 
ably be  inferred  from  the  fact  that  generally  two,  and  not  un- 
frequently  three  persons  were  appointed  and  sworn  to  each 
of  these  offices.  To  the  articles  of  export  already  mention- 
ed, that  of  Jlsh  was  added  in   1762. 

We  may  also  infer,  that  the  manufacture  of  brick,  which 
was  carried  on  in  this  town  for  many  years,  was  in  success- 
ful operation,  previous  to  1766,  as  we  find  the  town  in  that 
year  voting  to  build  a  bridge  "  over  the  brook  by  Matthew 
Miller's,  to  be  made  with  a  brick  arch  at  the  cost  of  the 
town." 

Powder.  At  what  time  the  manufacture  of  this  article 
commenced  in  Glastenbury,  we  have  been  unable  to  ascer- 
tain. It  must  have  been,  however,  several  years  previous  to 
1777,  and  seems  to  have  been  carried  on  to  a  considerable 
extent.  Hence,  the  town  was  never  under  the  necessity  of  ap- 
plying to  the  Legislature  for  powder  to  make  up  its  quota,  the 
home  manufacture  always  exceeding  the  home  consumption. 
The  manufacture  of  the  article  was  brought  suddenly  to  a 
close  on  the  23d  of  August,  1777,  by  the  blowing  up  of  the 
Powder  Mill,  which  was  situated  in  the  valley  now  occupied 
by  the  Hartford  Manufacturing  Company.  By  this  accident 
six  persons  were  kUled,  either  djing  instantly  or  within  twen- 
ty-four hours  after.  The  names  of  the  persons  killed  were  : 
George  Stocking,  Sen.,  in  the  fiftieth  year  of  his  age  ;  George 
Stocking,  Jr.,  in  the  twenty-eighth  year  of  his  age  ;  Hezekiah 
Stocking,  in  the  twenty-second  year  of  his  age ;  Nathaniel 
Stocking,  in  the  nineteenth  year  of  his  age  ;  Isaac  Treat,  son 
of  Samuel  Treat ;  Thomas  Kimberly,  Esq.,  in  the  thirtieth 
year  of  his  age. 


125 

The  mills  were  rebuilt  by  Col.  Howel  "Woodbridge,  and 
the  manufacture  of  the  acticle  continued  for  some  time,  but 
was  at  length  abandoned. 

Glass.  The  manufacturs  of  this  article  in  Glastonbury  is 
of  more  recent  occurrence,  and  yet  unknown  to  the  great 
body  of  the  people.  The  Glass  Works,  as  the  place  of  man- 
ufacture is  called,  were  situated  in  Wassuc,  on  the  road  to 
Colchester.  The  principal  article  of  manufacture  and  which 
was  continued  for  eight  or  ten  years,  was  that  of  dark  glass 
bottles.  The  distance  from  market,  the  difficulty  of  procur- 
ing good  materials,  but  more  particularly  of  good  workmen, 
caused  the  enterprise  to  be  abandoned  some  thirty  years 
since.  The  buildings  and  apparatus  were  subsequently  used 
for  a  time  in  the  manufacture  of  cobalt,  but  this  enterprise 
also  failing  to  pay,  was  also  soon  abandoned. 

Cotton.  The  mills  of  the  Hartford  Manufacturing  Com- 
pany are  among  the  oldest  in  the  State,  it  being  nearly  fifty 
years  since  the  manufacture  of  cotton  cloth  was  commenced 
at  Nayaug.  Another  cotton  mill  is  that  of  the  "Wassuc  Com- 
pany, about  a  mile  and  a  half  above  the  Hartford  Compa- 
ny's mills,  on  Roaring  Brook.  In  1845  these  mills  run  5,690 
spindles,  consumed  374,500  pounds  of  cotton,  manufacturing 
cloth  to  the  estimated  value  of  $84,000.  The  number  of 
males  then  employed  was  70,  the  number  of  females  120. 

Woollen.  The  number  of  mills  for  the  manufacture  of 
this  article  is  three ;  that  formerly  called  Hopewell,  but  now 
Nayaug  Mills,  on  Roaring  Brook,  between  the  cotton  mills 
already  described ;  Roaring  Brook  Mills,  on  Roaring  Brook, 
a  mile  and  a  half  above  Wassuc  cotton  mills,  at  the  place 
usually  denominated  Sparksville,  and  the  Eagle  Mills  on  Sal- 
mon Brook,  in  the  northern  part  of  the  town.  These  mills, 
in  1844,  consumed  188,616  pounds  of  wool,  producing  6,000 
yards  of  Cassimere,  161,912  yards  of  mixed  Satinets,  and 
45,000  yards  of  mixed  Tweeds,  at  an  estimated  value  of 
$146,242.  To  these  must  be  added  one  mill  for  the  man- 
ufacture of  Stockinett,  recently  introduced,  the  consumption 
tion  of  wool  and  the  yearly  value  of  manufacture  being  un- 
known.    The  amount  of  business  at  these  mills  is  much  as 


126 

in  1845,  except  at  the  Roaring  Brook  Mills,  in  which  it  has 
been  very  considerably  increased. 

Iron.  The  first  manufacture  of  iron  in  this  town  is  sup- 
posed to  have  been  by  Mr.  Talcott  Camp,  who  erected  a  forge 
for  the  manufacture  of  bar  iron,  bringing  the  ore  for  that  pur- 
pose from  a  long  distance,  considerable  of  it  coming  from  the 
State  of  New  York.  Subsequently,  Messrs.  Samuel  and  John 
Hunt  were  engaged  in  the  same  business.  They  had  the  mis- 
fortune to  be  burnt  out,  but  rebuilt  their  works  and  continued  to 
manufacture  for  a  time,  when  circumstances  compelled  them 
to  stop.  Still  later  we  find  John  Hunt  and  Elijah  Hodge  en- 
gaged in  the  same  business.  In  the  early  part  of  this  cen- 
tury, Messrs.  Joseph  and  Thomas  Stevens  were  engaged  in 
the  manufacture  of  ship  irons,  and  for  that  purpose  erected  a 
trip  hammer  forge  near  the  residence  of  the  Misses  Smith, 
but  were  compelled  by  the  neighbors  to  abandon  the  enter- 
prise, on  the  ground  that  a  trip  hammer  was  a  nuisance  in  the 
midst  of  a  village.  One  forge  yet  remains,  which  when  in 
operation,  has  been  chiefly  occupied  in  the  manufacture  of 
anchors  for  ships,  a  branch  of  business  attended  with  very 
considerable  profit  or  loss. 

Ship  Building.  The  first  ship  built  in  this  town,  if  not 
in  the  colony,  was  built  by  Samuel  Smith  in  1649,  and  has 
been  continued  more  or  less,  on  both  sides  of  the  river,  from 
that  time  to  the  present.  It  was  extensively  carried  on  in 
Glastenbury  for  many  years,  but  confined  mostly  to  the 
smaller  classes  of  vessels,  including  sloops,  schooners  and 
brigs,  and  varying  in  their  capacity,  from  fifty  to  five  hundred 
tons  burden.  Of  those  who  have  engaged  in  this  branch  of 
business  at  Nayaug,  Capt.  Roswell  Hollister  seems  to  have 
exceeded  every  other  individual  in  that  part  of  the  town, 
having  built  more  than  a  hundred  sail.  In  the  northern  part 
of  the  town,  the  Welles's,  the  Sellews,  the  Hales,  have  been 
at  different  periods,  extensively  engaged  in  this  business. 
To  these  must  be  added  the  names  of  Hubbard,  Shipman, 
Jones,  Gaines,  Gildersleeve,  and  others,  who  have  also  pur- 
sued the  same  business  in  this  town.  The  launching  of  a 
ship  of  the  larger  class  was  for  a  long  time,  an  event  of  inter- 


127 

est  to  the  whole  commuuity,  as  appears  from  the  following 
extract  from  the  private  Journal  of  one  of  our  citizens,  long 
since  departed : 

<'  1794,  October  30th.     Went  to  launching  of  a  ship  of  500  Tons;  not  less 
than  3,000  persons  were  present." 

That  these  launchings  were  not  of  unfrequent  occurrence, 
appears  from  the  same  Journal,  from  which  we  learn  that  on 
the  26th  of  April,  the  31st  of  August  and  the  21st  of  Sep- 
tember, 1785,  the  same  individual  was  present  at  three  differ- 
ent launchings.  These  seem  to  have  been  among  some  of  the 
most  important  of  the  merry-makings  of  those  days,  balls 
being  frequently  held  in  the  evening. 

Plated  Ware.  The  plating  of  ware  with  silver,  by 
means  of  the  galvanic  battery,  is  carried  on  very  extensively 
by  the  Messrs.  Curtis,  at  Pratt's  Ferry,  in  the  north-west 
part  of  the  town. 

Ink,  Shaving  Soap  and  Shoe-Blacking.  The  establish- 
ment of  Mr.  Williams  for  the  manufacture  of  these  articles, 
though  recent,  has  already  become  important,  the  quantities 
of  each  article  manufactured  being  large  and  deservedly  in 
repute.  A  daily  use  of  the  shaving  soap  for  some  years,  en- 
ables us  to  bear  testimony  to  its  excellence,  as  having  those 
superior  qualities  which  should  pertain  to  everything  proceed- 
ing from  Glastenhury. 

Guns.  There  is  a  small  establishment  in  the  southern 
part  of  Eastbury,  where  guns  of  a  very  excellent  quality  are 
manufactured,  though  on  a  limited  scale.  The  celebrity  of 
the  arms  here  manufactured  is  proved  by  the  fact,  that  nearly 
all  of  them  are  immediately  taken  up  by  the  government 
of  the  United  States.  ♦ 

Distillation.  This  branch  of  business  was  formerly  car- 
ried on  to  a  considerable  extent  in  this  town,  but  has  now 
nearly  ceased.  The  only  remaining  distilleries  are  some  two 
or  three  small  ones  for  cider,  but  which  do  not  perform  busi- 
ness enough  to  make  any  considerable  difference  in  the  result 
of  the  total  business  of  the  town,  whether  mentioned  or  not. 

Cooperage.     The  manufacture  of  staves  and  casks  for  a 


128 

foreign  market,  has  been  here  a  very  considerable  branch  of 
business  from  the  beginning,  and  was  for  many  years  restrain- 
ed and  regulated  by  a  private  law  of  the  town.  At  the  pres- 
ent time  this  branch  of  business  is  less  than  it  was  a  few 
years  ago,  especially  at  Eastbury;  yet,  including  the  manu- 
facture oi  powder  casks  at  South  Glastenbury,  it  must  amount 
to  thousands  of  dollars  annually. 

Produce.     The  estimated  amount  and  value  of  the  pro- 
ductions of  Glastenbury  for  1845,  was  as  follows : 


Indian  Corn, 

18,121  bu. 

S13,590.75 

Wheat, 

414  bu. 

455.40 

Rye, 

12,784  bu. 

10,227.20 

Oats, 

8,127  bu. 

3,250.00 

Potatoes, 

29,485  bu. 

11,794.00 

Turnips, 

2,670  bu. 

534.00 

Hay, 

4,680  tons, 

47,350.00 

Fruit, 

20,765  bu. 

2,602.00 

Tobacco, 

26,250  lbs. 

1,706.45 

Butter, 

5  9,955  lbs. 

8,393.70 

Cheese, 

16,167  lbs. 

1,293.36 

Honey, 

1,300  lbs. 

143.00 

Broom  Corn, 

12,870  lbs. 

625.00 

Seed  of  same. 

1,250  bu. 

500.00 

Onions, 

490  bu. 

147.00 

Hops, 

270  lbs. 

54.00 

Flax, 

20Olbs. 

26.00 

Charcoal, 

107,300  bu. 

9,667.00 

Shad, 

340  bbls. 

2,650.00 

Other  fish. 

800.00 

Wool, 

7,361  lbs. 

2,208.30 

Wood,  sold  of. 

2,382  cords, 

8,337.00 

Lumber, 

54  7  tons, 

2,461.00 

Brooms, 

11,000 

1,540.00 

Cigars, 

4,700.00 

Mechanics'  Tools, 

1,500.00 

Leather, 

3,940  hides. 

14,500.00 

Cabinet  ware. 

1,000.00 

Boots  and  Shoes, 

1,780.00 

This  account  of  the  industrial  pursuits  of  Glastenbury 
should  not  be  closed  without  some  mention  of  the  advanta- 
ges offered  by  this  town  for  manufacturing.     There  are  few 


129 

towns  ill  the  State,   none  certainly  in  this  part  of  the  State, 
furnishing  water  power  of  such  extent  and  durability  as  this. 
Roaring  Brook  offers  not  less  than  nine  or  ten  water   privi- 
leges within  three  miles  of  the  river,  most  of  them  with  fall 
sufficient  for  any  ordinary  purpose  of  manufacture.     Besides 
these,  there  are  several  locations  on  the  Brook  and  its  branch- 
es, affording  good  mill  seats.     Another  recommendation  of 
this  stream  is,  that  being  short,  and  fed  mostly  by  springs,  it 
is  a  never  failing  stream,  and  being  rarely  so  much  aftected 
by  the  severest  droughts  as  to  interfere  with  the  mills.     The 
other  streams  in  town,  though  smaller  and  less  lasting,  fur- 
nish numerous  privileges  for  the  smaller  kinds  of  machinery. 
And  still  another  advantage  which  might  be  readily  obtain- 
ed at  Glastenbury,  is  that  of  a  rail  road,  cheaply  built  and 
easily  maintained,  from  East  Hartford  to  Norwich,  or  to  con- 
nect with  the  "  Air  Line  Road"  at  Marlborough,  and  which 
should  convey  the  goods  and    manufactures  of  the  several 
companies  of  Glastenbury  and  Marlborough,  to  and  from  the 
very  doors  of  their  establishments.     It  is  not  too  much  to  say, 
that  such  another  convenient  arrangement  of  rail  road  and 
manufactoiy,  can  hardly  be   obtained  in  the  country  at  the 
cost  of  this.     Whether  some  of  the  best  and  most  convenient 
locations  for  business  shall  be   suffered  to  remain  idle,  must 
depend  upon  the  fact,  whether  capitalists  and  traders  can  be. 
made  to  see  and  pursue  their  own  best  interests. 

MILLS. 

1667.  The  first  grant  for  a  saiv-mill  in  Glastenbury  was 
made  by  the  General  Court  to  Thomas  Harris,  in  1667,  who 
was  to  have  forty  acres  of  public  land  to  encourage  him 
therein.  Mr.  Harris  having  conveyed  his  property  in  the  mill 
to  Messrs.  Joseph  Bull  and  John  Bidwell,  Jr.,  they  petitioned 
the  General  Court  for  an  additional  grant  of  land  for  the 
benefit  of  the  mill.  The  Court  accordingly  granted  200 
acres  in  fee  with  liberty  to  take  timber  from  any  common 
land.  These  240  acres  were  laid  out  in  May,  1671.  This 
mill  was  intended  to  have  been  erected  beyond  the  three  mile 
lots,  but  upon  a  more  careful  survey,  the  mill  was  found  to 
9 


130 

stand  on  the  east  end  of  the  lot  of  Samuel  Hale,  and  the 
owners  were  obliged  to  petition  the  General  Court  for  a  con- 
firmation of  title. 

1706.  Leave  was  given  by  the  Town  to  Serjeant  John 
Hubbard,  Thomas  Hale,  Sen.,  John  Gaines  and  William 
Johnson,  to  erect  a  Saw-mill  on  Roaring  Brook. 

1712.  The  Town  voted,  "  that  there  shall  be  a  saiv-mill 
built  upon  either  of  the  branches  of  Roaring  Brook  (at 
Wassuc)  by  the  persons  named  as  follows,  Gershom  Smith, 
Thomas  Hollister,  Jonathan  Judd,  Samuel  Brooks,  Ebenezer 
Kilborn  and  Thomas  Kimberly."  At  the  same  time  the 
Town  granted  lands  suitable  for  erecting  a  mill  upon  and  for 
pondage,  with  privilege  in  the  common  for  cutting  timber ; 
to  be  built  in  one  year — and  land  to  revert  to  the  Town  when 
the  mill  should  be  discontinued.  This  mill  was  erected  by 
Smith,  Judd,  E.  Kilborn,  with  the  assistance  of  John  Kilborn 
and  Joseph  Tryon,  and  was  "  situated  on  the  northernmost 
branch  of  Roaring  Brook,  a  little  above  or  north-east  of  the 
place  where  the  old  road  leading  from  Hartford  to  New 
London  crosses  it." 

1715.  Permission  granted  to  Ephraim  Bidwell,  Joseph 
Smith  and  Gershom  Smith  to  build  a  corn  or  grist  mill  on 
Salmon  Brook,  the  dam  to  be  on  their  own  land. 

1728.  Benjamin  Hollister,  permitted  to  build  a  saiv  mill 
on  Roaring  Brook  at  Nayaug,  and  "is  to  have  liberty  to 
transport  planks,  boards,  slit  work,  or  any  other  sawed  at 
said  mill." 

1728.  Samuel  Gaines,  Robert  Loveland,  Timothy  Hale 
and  Richard  Smith,  authorized  to  build  a  saw  mill  on  Sal- 
mon Brook,  in  Great  Swamp,  on  the  land  of  Daniel  Wright, 
with  the  same  privileges  as  that  at  Nayaug. 

1730.  Voted,  That  John  Hubbard,  Jr.,  attend  to  building 
a  saw  mill  on  Roaring  Brook,  where  the  old  one  was. 

1749.  Liberty  granted  to  Capt.  David  Hubbard,  to  erect 
a  corn  mill  over  Blackleach  River. 

1754.  Liberty  granted  to  "  Jeduthen  Smith  to  build  a  corn 
mill  on  his  own  land  at  the  upper  end  of  the  Town,  at  the 


131 

south  end  of  Candlewood  Hill,  where  an  old  saw  mill  was 
built." 

1756.  Liberty  granted  to  "  Samuel  Goodrich  to  build  a 
saw  7nill  on  Roaring  Brook  on  his  own  land  near  the  Cran- 
berry marsh." 

1767.  Liberty  given  to  Thomas  Matson,  "  to  build  a  saw 
mill  on  the  brook  near  his  house,  provided  it  does  not  ob- 
struct or  flow  any  highway." 

1767.  And  also  to  Thomas  Hunt,  "  to  build  a  saw  mill 
where  the  old  saw  mill  stood,  near  where  William  Fox  now 
dwells." 

1767.  Also  to  David  Hodge,  "  to  build  a  saiv  mill  on  the 
deep  gutter  on  Ephraim  Goodrich's  land." 

1769.  Liberty  given  to  John  Hodge,  "  to  build  a  grist  mill 
on  his  own  land  on  Roaring  Brook." 

1769.  Also  to  Elisha  Treat,  "  to  build  a  lineef  villi  on 
Roaring  Brook  on  his  own  land." 

1772.  Liberty  granted  to  Daniel  Hale,  "to  build  a  g-rist 
mill  on  his  own  land  near  where  Israel  Brewer  now  dwells.' 

1773.  Jonathan  Treat  permitted  "  to  build  a  saiv  mill  on 
a  stream  in  Ash  Swamp,  he  getting  liberty  of  the  owner  of 
the  land." 

177*3.  And  Jonathan  House,  "  to  build  a  sai(7  mill  on  the 
brook  about  80  rods  north  of  his  dwelling  house." 

1773.  And  Nathaniel  Talcott,  "  to  build  a  g-rist  mill  on 
Roaring  Brook,  near  the  saw  mill  on  his  own  land." 

1773.  And  Samuel  Brooks,  "to  build  a  saw  mill  where 
Ensign  John  Hills  formerly  built  a  mill." 

1782.  Liberty  granted  to  "William  Chamberlain,  "to  build 
a  grist  mill  on  his  own  land,  on  a  stream  called  Blackleach's 
River." 

1783.  David  Dickenson,  Jr.,  permitted  "  to  build  a  saw 
mill  on  his  own  land." 

Subsequent  to  this  time,  persons  appear  to  have  erected 
such  mills,  and  undertaken  such  manufactures,  on  their  own 


*  The  meaning  of  the  word  lineet,  is  unknown  to  the  oldest  inhabitants,  while 
the  word  is  not  to  be  found  in  any  of  the  Dictionaries.  The  most  probable 
conjecture  seems  to  be  that  it  signifies  linseed  oil,  and  that  it  was  an  oil  mill 
that  was  to  be  erected. 


132 

premises,  as  they  chose,  provided  that  in  so  doing  they  in- 
fringed upon  no  right  of  their  neighbors. 

MINISTERS  OF  THE  FIRST  SOCIETY  FROM  1791  TO  1853. 

Rev.  William  Brown.  Mr.  Eells,  as  we  have  seen,  died 
May  7th,  1791.  After  his  death,  Mr.  Brown  was  hked  to 
.supply  the  pulpit  for  a  time,  and  on  the  16th  of  April,  1792, 
was  called  to  settle,  on  a  salary  of  XlOO,  "lawful  money," 
thirty  cords  of  wood, — the  use  of  the  Parsonage  }and,  and 
X200  as  a  settlement, — to  be  paid  £50  annually,  for  four 
years.  He  was  installed,  May  17th,  1792.  In  December, 
1796,  Mr.  Brown  asked  for  a  dismission,  proposing  to  repay 
£50  of  his  settlement.  The  society  declined  receiving  this, 
but  subsequently  accepted  of  £100,  and  consented  to  his  dis- 
missal, which  took  place,  January  25th,  1797.  Mr.  B.  was 
graduated  at  Yale  College,  in  1789.  He  went  to  Tioga, 
N.  Y.,  where  he  subsequently  relinquished  his  profession  and 
commenced  practice  at  the  Bar.* 

Rev.  William  Lockwood.  In  April,  1797,  the  Rev. 
William  Lockwood  was  engaged  to  supply  the  pulpit  in  this 
Society,  and  was  called  to  settle  in  the  same,  in  the  follow- 
ing June.  He  was  installed,  August  30th,  in  the  same  year. 
Mr.  Lockwood's  health  proving  insufficient  for  the  discharge 
of  the  duties  of  his  office,  he  was  dismissed  from  the  same, 
May  1st,  1804.  Mr.  Lockwood,  the  son  of  the  Rev.  James 
Lockwood  of  Wethersfield,  born  Jan.  21st,  1753,  was  grad- 
uated at  Yale,  1774,  and  Tutor  in  the  same,  1779  and  1780. 
He  married  Sarah  Sturges  of  Faii-field,  Dec.  16th,  1784,  by 
whom  he  had — 

Ann,         b.  Oct.       5,  1785,  m.  Geo.  Plummer,  Esq.,  GIas.,May  7th,1807. 

Sarah,       b.  April     4,  1787,  m.  Joseph  Wright,  Glas.,  Nov.  24th,  1807. 

Samuel,    b.  Jan.       6,  1789,       Merchant  in  Glastenbury. 

William,   b.  Sept.     9,  1792,  d.  Dec.  6,  1827. 

Priscilla,  b.  Nov.    21,  179G. 

Mrs.  Lockwood  died  Aug.  31,  1834. 

He  was  settled  over  the  first  Church  and  Society  in  Mil- 
ford,  March  17th,  1784,  which  he  was  obliged  to  leave  on 

*Am.  Q.  R.  IV.  308. 


133 

account  of  ill  health,  and  was  accordingly  dismissed,  April 
28th,  1796.  He  continued  to  reside  in  Glastenbury,  until 
the  time  of  his  death,  June  23d,  1828.  He  published  a  Ser- 
mon on  the  death  of  Mrs.  Woodbridge,  1799.* 

Rev.  Prince  Hawes.  On  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Lock- 
wood  until  February,  1807,  the  Society  was  without  a  settled 
minister.  At  that  time  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hawes  was  invited  to 
preach  on  probation,  and  in  the  April  following,  was  called 
to  settle  among  them  on  a  yearly  salary  of  $500.  He  was 
ordained  June  24th,  1807.  Mr.  Hawes  was  born  at  Yar- 
mouth, Mass.  and  graduated  at  Williamstown,  1805.  He 
married  Hannah,  daughter  of  Benjamin  Hale  of  Glastenbury. 
At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Society,  December,  1819,  it  was 
"  Voted,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  meeting  that  the  use- 
fulness of  the  Rev.  Prince  Hawes  as  a  minister  of  the  Gos- 
pel in  the  First  Ecclesiastical  Society  in  Glastenbury,  is  so 
far  impaired,  as  to  render  a  dissolution  of  the  connection  be- 
tween him  and  the  Society  desirable  and  expedient."  There 
being  no  specific  charges  against  Mr.  Hawes  upon  which  to 
urge  his  dismission,  the  Society  accepted  a  proposition  made 
by  him  to  pay  "  him  $250,  as  damages  on  account  of  his 
dismission,"  upon  which  condition  he  consented  to  a  disso- 
lution of  the  connection  between  them,  and  which  accord- 
ingly took  place  early  in  1820.  He  was  settled  in  Boston, 
from  3824  to  1827.  He  was  subsequently  at  Woodbridge, 
and  at  Clinton  from  Feb.,  1835  to  Dec,  1836.  He  died  in 
1848,  aged  64.  Welles  Hawes,  Esq.,  for  some  years  a  law- 
yer of  repute  at  Putnam,  Ohio,  now  of  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  is 
son  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hawes.f 

After  the  removal  of  Mr.  Hawes,  the  Parish  called  Mr. 
Henry  Robinson,  b.  Guilford,  Conn.,  1789,  graduated  at 
Yale,  1811,  and  Andover,  1816,  to  settle  among  them  in  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  which  was  declined  by  Mr.  R.  An  in- 
vitation was  then  given  to  Mr.  Amzi  Benedict,  b.  New  Ca- 
naan, 1791,  graduated  at  Yale,  1814,  and  Andover,  1818,  to 
settle  here,  which  was  also  declined. 

*  Am.  Q.  R.  IV.  SOS,  311.     Brace's  Hist.  Ch.  Milford,  18.     Lamb.  Mil.  103. 
t  Am.  Q.  R.  IV.  308. 


134 

Rev.  Caleb  Birge.  On  the  18th  of  June,  1821,  the  Socie- 
ty, "Voted,  That  we  approve  of  the  performances  of  the 
Rev.  Caleb  Birge,  M.  D.,  as  a  preacher  of  the  Gospel."  He 
was  therefore  invited  to  settle  here  on  a  salary  of  $600.  He 
was  installed  in  August,  1821.  On  the  17th  of  November, 
1825,  the  Church  expressed  its  opinion  by  its  vote,  "  That 
the  ministerial  labors  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  B.  had  not  been  at- 
tended with  any  special  Divine  blessing;"  and,  "  That  the 
prospect  of  his  future  usefulness  was  more  clouded  than 
ever,"  and  hence,  they  desired  a  dissolution  of  the  connec- 
tion between  them.  He  was,  therefore,  dismissed  on  the  22d 
of  November,  of  the  same  year.  Mr.  Birge  was  born  at 
Tolland,  Conn.,  1782,  graduated  at  Middlebury,  1806.  He 
was  settled  first  at  Guildhall,  in  1808,  dismissed  in  1814,  and 
afterwards  at  Bratdeboro,  Vt,  from  1814  to  1819.  After 
leaving  Glastenbury,  he  was  settled  in  the  State  of  New 
York  for  a  few  years,  when  he  gave  up  preaching  and  con- 
fined himself  to  the  practice  of  medicine.  He  died  in  1838, 
aged  56,  his  death  being  caused  by  being  thrown  from  his 
carriage.  Mr.  Birge  was  regarded  by  his  cotemporaries  as 
an  able  and  discriminating  preacher.  He  published  a  work 
on  the  Atonement,  which  is  still  regarded  as  valuable.* 

Rev.  Samuel  Hopkins  Riddell.  From  the  departure  of 
Mr.  Birge,  the  Society  had  occasional  supplies  until  April 
23d,  1827,  when  Mr.  Riddell  was  called,  and  accepted.  He 
was  ordained  June  27th,  1827.  Mr.  Riddell  was  a  native  of 
Hadley,  Mass.,  and  graduated  at  Yale,  1823,  and  at  Ando- 
ver,  1826.  He  remained  at  Glastenbury  until  1837,  when 
having  been  elected  an  Agent  of  the  American  Education 
Society,  he  was  dismissed  from  his  Pastoral  charge,  in  order 
that  he  might  enter  upon  the  duties  of  his  Agency.  He  was 
Secretary  of  the  American  Education  Society,!  for  many 
years,  but  is  now  Editor  of  the  Puritan  Recorder. 

Rev.  James  Allwood  Smith,  the  present  Pastor  of  this 
Church,  was  born  at  Hartford,  Nov.  6th,  1806,  was  gradua- 


*  Am.  Q.  R.  IV.  30S. 
t  Am.  Q.  R.  IV.  308. 


135 

ted  at  Yale  in  1826.  He  studied  Theology  at  Aiidover,  two 
years,  but  completed  his  course  at  New  Haven,  1830.  He 
was  settled  over  the  Church  and  Society  of  Somersworth, 
N.  H.,  from  1831  to  1837,  when  he  was  called  to  Glasten- 
bury.* 

JMINISTERS  OF  THE  SECOND  SOCIETY  FROM  1805  TO  1853. 

The  Rev.  James  Eells,  having  died  on  the  20th  of  Jan- 
uary, 1805,  the  Society  in  the  September  following,  gave  the 

Rev. Clarke,  a  call  to  settle  in  the  Gospel  ministry  on 

a  salary  of  <£100,  with  an  additional  XIO  a  year,  the  first 
ten  years,  by  way  of  settlement.  This  call  seems  to  have 
been  declined.  Which  of  the  many  Mr.  Clarks  this  was, 
we  are  unable  to  learn,  and  consequently  can  give  nothing  of 
his  history. 

Rev.  Joseph  Strong,  was  called  to  settle  in  the  parish  of 
Eastbury,  in  April,  1806.  The  Society  voted  to  give  him 
"  $300,  for  his  encouragement  a  year,  so  long  as  he  should 
supply  the  pulpit."  The  call  being  accepted,  he  was  install- 
ed soon  after.  Mr.  Strong  remained  at  Eastbury  until  1817, 
when  the  Society  in  August,  voted  "  To  go  forward  and  call 
a  Council  for  the  purpose  of  dismissing  Mr.  Strong  from  his 
Pastoral  office  in  said  Society."  The  Parish  at  this  time 
seems  to  have  been  weak  and  troubled  to  get  along,  and  ac- 
cordingly they  voted,  "  To  apply  to  the  Domestic  Society  of 
Conn.,  for  some  assistance  towards  supplying  the  pulpit,"  but, 
though  some  aid  was  extended,  they  were  unable  to  settle 
any  one  until  1822.  Theodore  Strong,  graduated  at  Yale, 
1812,  and  since  Professor  of  Mathematics  and  Natural  Phi- 
losophy, first  in  Hamilton,  and  now  in  Rutgers  College,  is 
son  of  Rev.  Jacob  Strong.  He  ranks  among  the  first  schol- 
ars in  the  country  in  the  abstruser  branches  of  the  Mathe- 
matics.f 

Rev.  Jacob  Allen,  was  called  in  June,  1822,  on  a  salary 


*  Am.  Q.  R.  VI.  247. 
fAm.  Q.  R.  IV.  308. 


136 

of  $300,  "exclusive  of  the  money  the  Domestic  Missionary 
Soc.  of  Conn,  shall  pay."  The  call  was  accepted,  and  he  was 
installed  shortly  after.  Mr.  Allen  remained  at  Eastbury,  un- 
til 1835,  when  measures  were  taken  by  the  Church  and 
Society  to  procure  his  dismissal,  and  a  council  was  accord- 
ingly called  by  which  he  was  dismissed.  Mr.  Allen  was 
born  in  Columbia,  but  spent  his  early  life  in  Somers. 
He  was  graduated  at  Dartmouth  in  1811.  He  is  now  in  the 
eastern  part  of  the  State.* 

Rev.  Aaron  S^ow.  After  the  departure  of  Mr.  Allen, 
the  Parish  were  without  a  settled  minister  until  1840,  being 
supplied  by  occasional  services,  the  principal  of  which  were 
rendered  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Williams,  who  was  hired  to  preach 
one  year  for  $6  a  week.  In  October,  1840,  they  called  the 
present  Pastor,  the  Rev.  Aaron  Snow,  on  a  salary  of  $400  a 
year,  "  including  what  the  Domestic  Misssionary  Society  of 
Connecticut  should  pay."  Mr.  Snow  was  born  at  Saybrook, 
June  26th,  1804,  graduated  at  Yale  1835,  and  at  the  Theo- 
logical Seminary  connected  with  it  in  1838.  He  was  ordain- 
ed, April  28th,  1841. 

ST.  LUKE'S  CHURCH,  GLASTENBURY;  EPISCOPAL. 

There  had  been  a  few  Episcopalians  in  Glastenbury  from 
an  early  period,  but  no  effort  had  ever  been  made  (if  the 
thought  had  been  entertained)  of  establishing  an  Episcopal 
parish,  until  1806.  At  that  period,  the  peculiar  doctrines  of 
Calvinism  were  set  forth  with  great  prominence  in  many 
pulpits  in  this  vicinity.  The  frequency  and  urgency  with 
which  these  doctrines  were  preached  gave  offense  to  some, 
and  were,  no  doubt,  disagreeable  to  others.  These  things, 
taken  in  connection  with  the  fact  that  there  had  been  a  very 
considerable  increase  of  population  at  Nayaug,  or  South 
Glastenbury,  and  that  the  people  there  enjoyed  the  benefits 
of  religious  worship  near  home  but  rarely,  led  to  the  desire  of 
the  establishment  of  public  service,  of  some  sort,  in  that  part 
of  the  town.  The  few  churchmen  residing  in  town,  availed 
themselves  of  the  opportunity  to  propose  the  establishment 

*Am.  Q.  R.  IV.  308. 


137 

of  an  Episcopal  parish,  which  was  received  with  very  con- 
siderable favor,  fifty-one  persons  subscribing  thereto.  Of  this 
number,  a  very  few  were  churchmen,  a  considerable  number 
were  desirous  of  some  mode  of  religious  doctrine  and  wor- 
ship more  congenial  to  their  feelings  than  the  Calvinistic, 
while  still  another  class,  if  we  may  judge  from  their  subse- 
quent conduct,  sought  relief  from  the  minister's  rate,  rather 
than  his  doctrine. 

Rev.  Menzies  Raynor.  The  parish  was  organized  by 
the  choice  of  the  Rev.  Menzies  Raynor,  Rector  of  Christ 
Church,  Hartford,  Rector  of  this  parish  also,  to  which  were 
added  the  proper  officers  required  by  the  Episcopal  organiza- 
tion. Mr.  Raynor,  who  preached  here  occasionally  during  the 
first  year,  is  supposed  to  have  been  a  descendant  of  Thurs- 
ton Raynor,  one  of  the  earliest  landholders  in  Naubuc.  He 
was  a  native  of  Hempstead,  L.  I.,  and  had  been  a  Methodist 
preacher,  from  1790,  before  receiving  orders  in  the  Episco- 
pal church.  He  subsequently  embraced  the  doctrines  of 
Universalisra,  and  was  displaced  from  the  ministry. 

Rev.  Manoah  Smith  Miles  was  invited  to  take  charge  of 
this  parish  the  year  following,  ( 1807,) — with  the  understand- 
ing that  he  should  preach  here  one-fourth  part  of  the  time. 
Mr.  Miles  was  also  here  from  1815  to  1820.  Mr.  Miles  was  a 
descendant  of  the  early  settlers  of  Glastenbury — was  born 
at  Derby,  March  19,  1766 — and  was  graduated  at  Yale,  in 
1791.  He  was  ordained  deacon  in  1795,  and  priest  in  1796. 
In  1797  he  was  called  to  the  Rectorship  of  Trinity  Church, 
Chatham — now  Portland — retaining  it  until  his  death,  Jan- 
uary 31st,  1830. 

Rev.  Nathan  B.  Burgiss  was  invited  to  this  Parish  in 
1808,  and  remained  here  two  or  three  years,  during  which 
time  a  church  was  built,  lifty-six  by  thirty-eight  feet,  and 
partly  finished.  He  was  here  again  in  1820,  and  remained 
about  the  same  length  of  time.  Mr.  B.  was  born  at  Killing- 
worth  (as  is  supposed) — was  ordained  Deacon  in  1801,  and 
Priest  in  1802,  and  has  since  officiated  in  a  great  variety  of 
places.  He  remained  in  Connecticut  until  1834,  since  which 
time  he  has  resided  in  Western  New  York. 


138 

Rev.  Ammi  Rogers.  In  the  interval  between  Mr.  Miles 
and  Burgiss'  first  and  second  terms  of  service  here,  the  Par- 
ish was  visited  with  a  sore  affliction,  in  the  person  of  Ammi 
Rogers.  Mr.  R.  was  a  native  of  Branford — graduated  at 
Yale,  1790 — and  was  ordained  by  the  Bishop  of  New  York, 
Deacon  in  1792,  ar^d  Priest  in  1794;  the  first  office  being 
obtained  on  the  strength,  in  part  at  least,  of  forged  creden- 
tials. He  was  a  man  of  superior  talent  and  tact,  capable 
of  great  good,  or  immense  mischief.  In  this  place,  all  his 
energies  seem  to  have  been  bent  upon  evil;  and  though  he 
never  succeeded  in  causing  himself  to  be  elected  Rector  of 
the  Parish — having  been  previously  displaced  from  the  min- 
istry— he  did  succeed  in  dividing  the  Parish,  and  depriving 
it  of  some  of  its  most  active  and  valuable  members.  He 
died  in  1851,  aged  82. 

Rev.  AsHBAEL  Steele,  who  was  here  in  1824,  was  born 
at  Watertown — educated  an  Episcopalian — ordained  Dea- 
con in  1823,  and  Priest  in  1825,  and  remained  in  the  Diocese 
but  a  short  time,  and  has  since  been  mostly  at  the  West 
and  South. 

Rev.  Hector  Humphrey,  D.  D.,  was  called  to  this  parish 
in  1825,  and  remained  here  until  1831.  During  his  ministry, 
the  Church  was  completed  and  Consecrated.  Dr.  Humphrey 
was  born  at  Canton,  June  8th,  1797 — was  educated  a  Con- 
gregationalist,  and  graduated  at  Yale,  1818.  He  was  or- 
dained Deacon  in  1824,  and  Priest  in  1825.  He  was  Profes- 
sor of  Ancient  Languages  in  Trinity  College  during  all  the 
time  of  his  connection  with  this  Parish,  and  has  been  Pres- 
ident of  St.  John's  College,  Md.,  ever  since.  He  has  pub- 
lished a  few  addresses  and  sermons. 

Rev.  Samuel  Fuller,  D.  D.,  was  born  at  Rensellearville, 
N.  Y. — graduated  at  Union,  1822 — ordained  Deacon  in  1827, 
and  Priest  a  year  or  two  after.  He  was  Rector  of  this  Par- 
ish, and  editor  of  the  Episcopal  Watchman  during  1831  and 
1832.  His  time  has  since  been  spent  in  Litchfield,  Conn., 
and  Andover,  Mass.,  as  Rector  of  the  Churches  in  those 
places,  except  a  few  years  in  which  he  was  Professor  of  Di- 
vinity in  the  Theological  Department  of  Kenyon   College, 


139 

Ohio.  He  has  written  several  valuable  articles  in  the  peri- 
odicals of  the  day,  some  of  which  have  been  republished  in 
a  pamphlet  form,  and  circulated  as  tracts.  Several  sermons 
have  also  been  published  by  him. 

Rev.  Thomas  J.  Davis  was  Rector  of  this  Parish  in  1834, 
1835  and*  1836,  during  which  time  measures  were  taken  to 
erect  a  new  church,  which  was  completed  and  Consecrated 
'in  the  time  of  Mr.  Devins. 

Rev.  David  L.  Devins,  born  at  Boston,  and  educated  a 
Congregationalist,  was  here  in  1837.  He  was  at  one  time  a 
member  of  Amherst  College,  but  seems  not  to  have  com- 
pleted his  academical  course.  He  was  ordained  Deacon 
previous  to  1837,  and  Priest  in  1839.  An  extreme  nervous 
excitability,  sometimes  injudiciously  excited,  led  him  into 
many  eccentricities  and  extravagances,  and  finally  caused 
his  renunciation  of,  and  displacement  from  the  ministry,  in 
1842,  notwithstanding  his  talents  and  eloquence  as  a  preach- 
er had  raised  high  hopes  of  his  usefulness. 

Rev.  William  Bliss  Ashley,  born  at  Portland,  educated 
a  Congregationalist,  was  graduated  at  Trinity,  1834,  and  at 
the  General  Theological  Seminary  in  1838 — in  which  year 
he  was  also  ordained  Deacon,  and  immediately  took  charge 
of  this  parish.  He  received  Priest's  orders  the  year  following. 
He  remained  here  until  1842,  when  he  removed  to  Derby. 
He  was  subsequently  an  Assistant  Minister  to  Bishop 
McCoskry,  at  Detroit,  but  has  now  been  several  years  Rec- 
tor of  a  church  in  Syracuse.  He  has  published  some  ser- 
mons and  addresses  of  interest. 

Rev.  George  Huntington  Nichols  became  Rector  of 
this  Parish,  at  Easter,  1842,  and  remained  so  until  Easter, 
1845.  He  was  born  at  Bridgeport,  1819— graduated  at  Trin- 
ity, 1839— ordained  Deacon  in  1841,  and  Priest  in  1842. 
After  leaving  this  Parish  he  officiated  for  a  while  in  Litch- 
field, but  has  now  been  for  several  years  Rector  of  St.  John's 
Church.  Salisbury. 

Rev.  Giles  Henry  Deshon  was  born  at  New  London, 
1820— graduated  at  Yale,  1840— at  the  General  Theological 
Seminary,  1843.     He  was  ordained  Deacon  in  1843,  and 


140 

Priest  in  1844.  He  was  Rector  of  this  Parish  from  1845,  to 
some  time  in  1848,  when  his  health  compelled  him  to  resign, 
and  to  seek  its  recovery  in  a  foreign  clime.  After  his  return, 
with  improved  health,  he  was  called  to  St.  Andrew's  Church, 
Meriden,  where  he  still  remains. 

Rev.  William  Staunton,  an  Englishman  by  tirth,  and 
for  some  years  a  Professor  and  Teacher  of  Music,  in  Bos- 
ton, was  ordained  Deacon  in  1833,  and  Priest  in  1834.  Af-* 
ter  his  ordination  he  remained  a  few  years  in  Massachusetts, 
when  he  removed  to  New  York,  where  he  was  for  several 
years  a  special  agent  of  the  "Protestant  Episcopal  Sunday 
School  Union."  He  then  removed  to  Morristown,  N.  J.,  where 
he  spent  several  years,  subsequently  returning  to  New  York. 
Coming  to  Connecticut  in  1849,  he  remained  here  until 
Easter,  1850.  He  is  the  author  of  a  valuable  work  called 
The  Church  Dictionary^  and  has  also  published  The  Church 
Chant-Book — a  collection  of  chants  adapted  to  the  worship 
and  service  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Uni- 
ted States,  enriched  by  some  compositions  from  hij=  own 
pen,  with  an  Introduction,  containing  instructions  in  regard 
to  chanting. 

Rev.  Abner  Jackson,  born  in  Washington  County,  Penn., 
in  1810 — educated  a  Presbyterian — graduated  at  Trinity 
College,  1837;  was  ordained  Deacon,  1838,  and  Priest 
in  1847.  He  officiated  in  this  Parish  from  Easter  to  the  fall 
of  1850.  He  has  been  for  a  number  of  years  Professor  of 
Moral  and  Intellectual  Philosophy,  and  Lecturer  on  Chem- 
istry, in  Trinity  College.  He  was  also  the  editor  of  the 
Calendar  from  the  Spring  of  1848  to  1853. 

Rev.  Alonzo  Bowen  Chapin,  D.  D.,  was  born  at  Somers, 
March  10th,  1808.  He  received  his  early  literary  training 
under  the  eye  and  the  direction  of  his  father,  whose  superior 
scholarship  and  happy  tact  for  communicating  knowledge, 
rendered  him  an  excellent  teacher.  For  several  years  his 
studies  had  been  chosen,  and  his  education  directed,  with 
reference  to  the  probability  of  his  entering  the  ministry 
among  the  Congregationalists,  in  which  body  his  father  had 
also  ministered,  though  then  disabled  by  bodily  infirmity. 


141 

Long  continued  illness,  however,  changed  his  plans,  causing 
him  to  relinquish  Theology,  and  to  turn  to  the  Law.  After 
the  usual  course  of  study,  he  was  admitted  to  practice  in 
1831,  and  immediately  commenced  at  Wallingford.  For 
the  first  year  and  a  half  he  mingled  the  professions  of  teach- 
er and  lawyer,  but  an  increase  of  professional  business  soon 
required  him  to  relinquish  the  former.  Having  become  an 
Episcopalian  during  his  residence  in  Wallingford,  and  hav- 
ing become  somewhat  known  as  a  contributor  to  the  various 
church  periodicals,  he  was  unanimously  elected  by  the  Con- 
vention of  the  Diocese,  held  October,  1836,  to  edit  a  weekly 
church  paper,  to  be  called  the  Chronicle  of  the  Church,  about 
to  be  established  under  the  direction  of  a  Convention — an 
office  which  he  held  for  eight  years.  Having  recovered  such 
a  degree  of  health  as  to  render  it  probable  that  he  might  now 
enter  the  clerical  profession  without  risk,  he  resumed  his  the- 
ological studies,  and  was  admitted  to  the  Holy  Order  of 
Deacons  in  1838,  and  to  the  Priesthood  in  1839.  From  that 
time  until  his  removal  to  Glastenbury,  in  1850,  he  was  Rector 
of  Christ  Church,  West  Haven,  having  in  connection  with 
it,  during  the  first  five  years,  some  other  Parish  a  part  of  the 
time.  He  was  also  one  of  the  editors  of  the  Church  Re- 
vieiv,  for  the  first  three  years  of  its  existence.  His  publica- 
tions have  been  various,  among  which  the  following  are  per- 
haps the  most  important.  They  are  given  in  accordance 
with  the  plan  pursued  in  regard  to  the  ministers  of  the  vari- 
ous denominations,  as  part  of  the  history. 

Knickerbocker.  1836 — Geology  and  Revealed  Religion; 
Ornithicnology,  and  Ornithicnology  reconsidered. 

Quarterly  Christian  Spectator.  1836 — Is  Christianity 
part  of  the  English  Common  Law?  Connection  of  Egypt- 
ian and  Jewish  Histories;  1837,  Egyptian  Hieroglyphics, 
Comparison  of  the  Biblical  and  Egyptian  Chronologies; 
1838,  Sesostris  the  Hornet  of  Exodus  and  Joshua;  Ancient 
Chronologies  harmonized. 

American  Journal  of  Science.  1835 — Junction  of  Trap 
and  Sandstone. 

American  Quarterly  Review.    1837 — Review  of  Web- 


142 

ster  on  English  Orthography;    Nature  and  Design  of  the 
Canticles,  with  a  new  translation. 

New  York  Review.  1837 — Genuineness  of  the  Epistles  of 
Ignatius;  1838,  Origin  and  Progress  of  Popular  Liberty; 
Discovery  of  America  by  the  Northmen;  1840,  Study  of  the 
Celtic  Languages;  Politics  of  the  Puritans;  1841,  Earliest 
ages  of  English  Poetry. 

American  Biblical  Repository.  1838 — Ante-Columban 
History  of  America ;  1843,  Review  of  Gliddon  on  Egyptian 
History  and  Chronology. 

Church  Review.  1848 — Colonial  Church  Missions  of  the 
Seventeenth  Century;  The  Apostolic  Constitutions;  1849, 
Early  Clergy  of  Connecticut;  1850 — Neander  as  a  Church 
Historian;  1851 — A  Half-Century's  Progress;  Colleges  and 
the  Ministry. 

Mercersburg  Review.    1852 — Theology  of  Linguistics. 

His  principal  Pamphlets  have  been,  1839 — Early  Church- 
men of  Connecticut;  1842 — A  Churchman's  Reason  for 
joining  a  Temperance  Society;  Associations  for  Benevo- 
lence, Ancient  and  Universal;  The  principles  of  English 
Orthography  developed  in  a  system  of  rules  for  the  whole 
language ;  1843 — A  Churchman's  reasons  for  not  joining  in 
other  worship;  Inquiry  into  the  origin  and  meaning  of 
English  Suffixes;  1844 — New  Englandism  and  the  Bible; 
The  state  of  Religion  in  England  and  Germany  compared; 
1850 — Christ  Church,  West  Haven,  for  ten  years;  The  era 
of  the  Crucifixion;  1851 — Notes  on  the  Rev.  Dr.  Thomp- 
son's Church,  Ministry  and  Worship. 

To  these  may  be  added  the  following,  whose  size  might 
entitle  them  to  the  name  of  books  :  1841 — An  English 
Spelling-book;  1842 — the  same  stereotyped  and  entitled, 
The  Classical  Spelling-book;  A  view  of  the  organization 
and  order  of  the  Primitive  Church  ;  1845 — The  same  revised 
and  sterotyped;  1846 — Views  of  Gospel  Truth. 


143 


CONGREGATIONAL   CHURCH,  SOUTH  GLASTENBURY. 

The  following  documents,  furnished  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chap- 
man, describe  the  time,  manner  and  cause  of  forming  a  third 
Congregational  Society  in  Glastenbury : 

"We,  the  subscribers,  late  members  of  the  first  Ecclesiastical  Society  in 
Glastenbury,  residing  in  the  South  part  thereof,  considering  that  the  Meeting 
House  inwhich  we  usually  worship  is  at  an  inconvenient  distance  from  most  of 
us,  and  when  rebuilt,  will  probably  be  much  further  from  us,  and  in  view  of  the 
fact,  that  most  of  the  families  South  of  the  centre  of  said  Society  have  separat- 
ed tliemselves  from  the  same,  and  a  large  proportion  of  them  have  not  yet  join- 
ed any  religious  Society,  and  considering  the  rapid  increase  of  the  population 
of  the  South  part  of  this  Society,  and  the  recent  establishment  of  large  manu- 
facturing concerns  in  that  part  of  the  Town,  and  having  obtained  liberty  of 
said  Society  to  withdraw  therefrom  and  to  form  ourselves  into  a  new  Societv 
for  the  reasons  above  stated,  and  trusting  that  we  are  influenced  by  a  desire 
to  promote  the  glory  of  God  and  the  spiritual  good  of  our  fellow-men,  do 
hereby  mutually  covenant  and  agree  with  each  other,  that  we  will,  and  we  do 
hereby  associate  and  unite  ourselves  together  as  an  Ecclesiastical  Societv  bv 
the  name  of  "  the  Congregational  Society  in  South  Glastenbury,"  and  that 
the  present  form  of  Church  government  and  the  Confession  of  Faith  practiced 
and  acknowledged  at  this  time  in  the  Church  and  Society  of  the  first  Eccle- 
siastical Society,  are  and  shall  be  the  fundamental  articles  of  Faith  and 
Church  government  in  this  Society,  and  In  the  Church  which  may  hereafler 
be  formed  In  this  Society ;  and  particularly  it  is  hereby  declared,  that  no  min- 
ister shall  be  employed  to  preach  or  to  be  settled  in  and  over  this  Society,  but 
with  the  consent  and  approbation  of  the  Church  therein  constituted,  and  who 
shall  not  assent  to  the  aforesaid  fundamental  articles  of  Faith  and  Church 
government. 

"  South  Glastenbury,  Feb'y  2G,  1836." 

(Signed,)  * 

Stephen  Strickland,  Horatio  Hollister, 

Pardon  Brown,  Lewis  Strickland, 

Thomas  Hubbard,  Benjamin  Hollister, 

Josiah  Strickland,  Howell  W.  Brown, 

Ansel  Andrus,  Jared  Caswell, 

John  Caswell,  Amos  Dean, 

Duel  HIggins,  John  C.  Robertson." 

The  formation  of  the  Church  is  described  in  the  following 
extract  from  the  records  of  the  First  Church  in  Glastenbury : 

^^  Nnveynher  i,  lSi6.  Tlie  following  communication  was  laid  before  the 
Church  at  a  regular  Church  meeting,  viz. 


144 

"  To  the  Church  in  the  First  Ecclesiastical  Society  in  Glastenhury : 

^''  Rev' d  and  Beloved :  We  wliose  names  are  undersigned,  Members  of  your 
Christian  Communion,  having  with  a  number  of  others,  been  duly  constituted 
into  an  Ecclesiastical  Society  in  the  South  part  of  this  Town,  and  having  by 
the  blessing  of  Almighty  God,  erected  and  nearly  completed  an  Edifice 
to  be  occupied  by  us  and  those  with  whom  we  are  associated  in  this  sacred 
enterprise,  as  a  house  of  worship,  would  respectfully  represent  that  we  are  de- 
sirous of  being  formed  into  a  distinct  Church  of  Christ,  upon  the  same  doc- 
trinal basis  and  the  same  principles  of  Ecclesiastical  organization  with  the 
Church  to  which  we  now  belong,  and  with  a  view  hereafter  to  sustain  and 
enjoy  the  ordinances  established  by  Christ,  in  the  new  connection  above  re- 
ferred to ;  and  we  do  therefore  request  of  you  that  letters  of  recommenda- 
tion in  the  usual  form,  may  be  granted  to  us,  to  be  presented  as  testimonials 
of  our  Christian  standing  before  the  Council  to  be  convened  for  the  purpose 
of  organizing  the  Church  herein  contemplated  ;  to  take  effect  also,  as  letters 
of  dismission  in  the  event  of  said  Church  being  formed,  upon  the  grounds  and 
principles  above  specified,  and  ourselves  being  admitted  as  its  members. 
«'  Glastenbury,  October  12,  1836. 
(Signed,) 
"  Pardon  Brown,  Stephen  Strickland, 

Josiah  HolHster,  Howell  W.  Brown, 

John  C.  Robertson,  Rachel  Treat, 

Josiah  Strickland,  Juliette  Tryon, 

Russell  Taylor,  Sally  Caswell, 

Horatio  Holllster,  Louisa  Caswell, 

John  Caswell,  Phllena  Caswell, 

Henry  T.  Bartlett,  Elizabeth  Tryon, 

Benjamin  Holllster,  Dolly  E.  Tucker, 

Ansel  Andrus,  Freelove  Pulslfer, 

Thomas  Hubbard,  'Amelia  KInne, 

Elizabeth  Brown,  Amelia  H.  Hale, 

Mary  Strickland,  Louisa  HoUister, 

Nelly  Strickland,  Mary  Holllster, 

Nancy  Strickland,  Catherine  Andrus, 

Eliza  C.  Brown,  Mabel  Miller, 

Abigail  Strickland,  Betsey  A.  Hubbard, 

Henry  Rich,  Caroline  A.  Hubbard, 

Betsey  Taylor,  •       Elizabeth  BIdwell. 

"  Wherefore,  It  was  voted  unanimously,  that  the  request  of  the  petitioners 
be  granted,  and  that  the  Pastor  of  the  Church  be  Authorized  to  Issue  the  re- 
quisite certificates  and  letters  of  dismission. 
*'  A  true  copy. 

"  Attest,        Samuel  H.  Riddell, 

Clerk  of  the  Church." 


1, 


145 

"  Letters  having  been  issued  in  form,  an  Ecclesiastical  Council,  consisting 
of  Rev.  Messrs.  Jacob  Allen,  Harvey  Talcott,  Samuel  H.  Riddel  and  Ben- 
nett F.  Northrop,  the  Church  was  duly  organized  at  the  house  of  Pardon 
Brown,  Dec.  22,  1836,  by  the  name  of  '  The  Congregational  Church  of 
South  Glastenbury.' " 

Rev.  "Warren  G.  Jones.  "  The  Church  met  on  the  21st 
of  February,  1837,  and  tendered  a  call  to  Rev.  Warren  G. 
Jones  to  become  their  pastor,  which  call  being  accepted, 
Mr.  Jones  was  installed  July  26th,  1837,  and  dismissed 
August  27th,  1850."  Mr.  Jones  was  born  at  East  Had- 
dam  November  2d,  1802,  graduated  at  Union  College,  1831, 
and  pursued  his  theological  studies  at  Princeton.  He  went 
from  Glastenbury  to  Harwinton,  where  he  conceived  a  wider 
and  more  extended  field  of  usefulness  opened  for  him. 
He  published  a  sermon  on  the  death  of  Pardon  Brown, 
Esq.,  and  also  a  "correct  account"  of  a  discussion  had  with 
a  Mr.  Turner,  on  the  Immortalily  of  the   Soul. 

"  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Chapman  was  born  at  Canfield, 
Trumbull  county,  Ohio,  November  17th,  1806.  He  fitted  for 
college  with  Elizur  Wright,  Esq.,  at  Tallmadge,  Portage 
county,  Ohio,  (who  was  a  graduate  of  Yale,  of  the  class  of 
1781.)  He  graduated  at  Yale  in  the  class  of  1828,  was 
then  employed  a  year  as  teacher  of  the  Academy  in  Sharon, 
in  this  State,  graduated  at  Yale  Theological  Seminary  in 
the  class  of  1832.  Having  received  and  accepted  a  unani- 
mous call  from  the  Congregational  Church  of  Stratford,  he 
was  ordained  and  installed  their  pastor  on  the  5th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1832.  He  received  a  unanimous  call  from  the 
Church  at  Deep  River,  where  he  removed  and  was  installed 
May  29th,  1839.  Having  served  that  Church  nearly  eleven 
and  a  half  years,  he  received  a  unanimous  call  from  the 
Church  in  South  Glastenbury,  and  was  installed  pastor  of 
said  Church,  October  24th,  1850,  where  he  now  resides,  ]\Ir. 
C.  has  been  somewhat  extensively  engaged  in  teaching  dur- 
ing his  ministry,  and  fitted  a  large  number  of  young  men 
for  college,  of  whom  some  thirty  or  more  are   now  in  the 

10 


146 

learned  professions.     He  married  Emily  Hill,  eldest  daugh- 
ter of  Henry  Hill  of  Westbrook,  May  6th,  1833." 

THE  METHODISTS. 

The  earliest  Methodist  preaching  of  which  we  have  been 
able  to  find  any  account  in  Glastenbury,  was  in  or  about 
1793.  No  parish,  however,  was  organized  until  1796,  when 
one  was  formed  in  connection  with  the  New  London  cir- 
cuit, at  Eastbury.  At  the  formation  of  the  parish  the  mem- 
bers were :  Jeremiah  Stocking,  Amasa  HoJlister,  Mrs.  A. 
Hollister,  Asa  Smith  and  wife.  These  had  all  seceded  from 
the  Congregational  Society,  to  which  several  others  were 
subsequently  added,  so  that,  when  the  Congregational  Church 
in  Eastbury  passed  sentence  of  non-communion  against  those 
who  had  withdrawn  up  to  1809  and  1810,  the  persons  men- 
tioned were :  "  Mrs.  Parsons,  Lazarus  House  and  wife,  Jere- 
miah Stocking  and  wife,  Eleazer  Andrews,  David  Andrews, 
Elisha  House,  Joseph  Goodale  and  wife,  Gera  Goodale,  Mrs. 
Sparks,  Charles  Treat  and  wife,  and  Gideon  Hollister."  But 
though  this  parish  has  been  in  existence  many  years,  and  is 
in  a  prosperous  condition,  we  have  been  unable  to  trace  its 
early  history  with  that  degree  of  minuteness  and  accuracy 
which  was  to  be  desired.  Belonging  for  a  time  to  the  New 
London  circuit,  then  to  Tolland,  then  to  Springfield,  1832 
and  1833,  and  then  again  to  New  London,  and  not  having 
had  a  resident  minister  until  a  recent  period,  the  materials  of 
its  history  are  much  scattered,  and  many  of  them  seem  to 
have  been  lost  We  are  indebted  to  the  Rev.  Samuel  Fox, 
of  the  parish  of  East  Glastenbury,  and  to  the  Rev.  David 
Bradbury  of  the  parish  of  South  Glastenbury,  for  such  mate- 
rials as  the  records  of  the  societies  or  the  memories  of  the 
people  might  afford,  to  which  we  have  added  all  we  could 
glean  from  other  sources.  A  complete  copy  of  the  Minutes 
of  Conference^  which  we  were  so  fortunate  as  to  find  in  Mid- 
dletown,  has  furnished  us  with  the  data  given  in  regard  to 
the  times  when  the  several  clergymen  were  admitted  preach- 
ers, and  the  Record  of  Marriages  in  the  town  records  since 
1820,  has  aided  in  determining  who  came  to  Glastenbury, 


147 

when  it  was  in  the  circuit  with  several  other  towns;  while 
Stevens^  Memorials  of  Methodism,  have  added  some  facts  to 
our  scanty  list. 

EAST  GLASTENBURY. 

This  parish  was  formed,  as  has  been  already  mentioned 
in  1796.  Among  the  preachers  on  the  circuit  at  that  early 
period,  the  name  of  Rev.  Shadrach  Bostwick,  admitted 
preacher,  1791 ;  Rev.  Lawrence  Mc Combs,  admitted  preach- 
er, 1792 ;  Rev.  Daniel  Ostrander,  admitted  preacher,  1793 ; 
Rev.  Billey  Hibbard,  admitted  preacher,  1798 ;  Rev.  Timo- 
thy Merrit,  and  others,  are  remembered  with  affectionate 
regard.  At  this  time  the  New  London  circuit  embraced 
a  region  of  country  which  required  two  hundred  and  fifty 
miles  travel,  while  the  arrangements  gave  about  twenty  ap- 
pointments and  thirty-two  sermons  a  month.  The  men  placed 
upon  these  circuits,  were  generally  men  of  great  physical  and 
strong  mental  powers,  and  aided  by  a  prevailing  opposition 
to  Calvinism,  they  swayed  the  hearts  of  multitudes  and  add- 
ed greatly  to  their  numbers.  Stevens  has  given  in  the  second 
series  of  his  Memorials  of  Methodism,  (p.  196,)  a  marvellous 
account  of  the  results  of  the  first  Methodist  Camp  Meeting  in 
New  England,  from  the  pen  of  "  Father  Stocking,"  who  was 
present  on  the  occasion. 

The  first  house  of  public  worship  built  by  this  parish  was 
erected  at  Wassuc  in  1810.  In  1847,  it  was  taken  down  and 
a  new  house  built  on  the  spot  where  it  now  stands,  and  was 
called  East  Glastenbury,  a  name  by  which  it  is  now  known 
in  all  their  records  and  minutes.  Between  1820  and  1836, 
we  find  D.  Ripley,  L.  Bennet,  Elder  Charles  Remington, 
Hector  Bronson,  J.  E.  Risley,  admitted  to  preach,  1822 ; 
Philo  Havens,  R.  Ransom,  died  1845 ;  Philetus  Green  ad- 
mitted to  preach,  1833,  died,  1841 ;  J.  Shepherd  admitted  to 
preach,  1833,  and  J.  Leonard,  officiating  here,  but  in  what 
capacity  does  not  appear.  From  1836  to  the  present  time, 
we  are  able  to  give  a  better  account. 


148 


Year.  Name.  When  Admitted. 

1836,  Supplied,  probably  by  Kev.  Mr.  Stocking, 

1837,  Rev.  Elias  J.  Scott,               -            -            -  1829. 

1838,  Thomas  W.  Gile,*          -            -            -  1834. 

1839,  Lozein  Peirce,                      ...  1835. 

1840,  Azariah  B.  Wheeler,      -            -            -  1840. 

1841,  Benjamin  M.  Walker,          -            -            -  1834. 

1842,  Benjamin  M.  Walker,    -            -            -  1834. 

1843,  Chester  W.  Turner,            -            -            -  1839. 

1844,  Edmund  A.  Standish,     -             -             -  1836. 

1845,  Supplied,  perhaps  by  Rev.  Mr.  Stocking. 

1846,  Lawton  Cady,           -             -             -             -  1842. 

1847,  Lyman  Leffingwell,        -            -            -  1839. 

1848,  Lyman  Leffingwell,               -             -             -  1839. 

1849,  Rogers  Albiston,    .          -             -             -  1843. 

1850,  Rogers  Albiston,      -             .             -             -  1843. 

1851,  Charles  Morse. 

1852,  Samuel  Fox,       ...            -  i844. 

1853,  Samuel  Fox,              ....  1844. 

The  history  of  Methodism  in  Glastenbury,  and  in  the  east 
parish  in  particular,  is  so  identified  with  the  life  and  labors 
of  "  Father  Stocking,"  as  to  render  an  account  of  him  requis- 
ite in  this  place.  The  principal  materials  of  this  sketch  are 
drawn  from  the  eulogy  pronounced  at  the  funeral  of  Rev. 
Mr.  Stocking,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Snow,  the  Congregational 
minister  of  Eastbury. 

Rev.  Jeremiah  Stocking  was  born  at  Chatham,  Decem- 
ber 8th,  1767.  His  early  education  was  conducted  in  the 
common  school,  and  closed  when  he  was  nine  years  old. 
His  father  being  a  seafaring  man  and  absent  from  home 
most  of  the  time,  deprived  him  of  paternal  training;  but 
the  faithful  instrucion  of  a  pious  mother  supplied  this 
want  in  a  good  degree,  imbuing  his  mind  with  such  deep 
and  lasting  principles  of  virtue  as  were  never  forgotten. 
From  the  age  of  nine  to  thirteen  he  lived  in  Haddam,  when 
he  was  put  on  board  a  privateer  near  the  close  of  the  Revo- 
lution.    On  his  return   he  went  to  a  trade,  which  he  pur- 


*  Died,  1848.  From  the  Minutes  of  Conference,  there  seems  to  have  been 
some  change  made  by  the  Bishop,  and  that  Solomon  Cushman,  (admitted 
preacher,  1S38,)  M^as  here  part  of  the  year. 


149 

sued  until  he  was  twenty-one.  In  1790  he  married,  and  the 
year  following  removed  to  Glastenbury.  His  health  becom- 
ing infirm,  his  physician  advised  him  to  adopt  the  business  of 
a  Post  Rider,  and  in  1799  he  commenced  carrying  newspa- 
pers from  Hartford  to  Saybrook,  to  which  in  1801  was  add- 
ed the  mail.  He  continued  in  this  business  twenty-five 
years,  during  which  time  he  travelled  150,000  miles,  crossing 
Connecticut  river  8,500  times. 

Previous  to  his  marriage  and  removal  to  Glastenbury,  he 
had  been  subject  to  serious  impressions  which,  at  length, 
through  the  influence  of  ultra  Calvinistic  doctrines  then  so 
generally  preached,  nearly  drove  him  to  desperation,  and 
which  finally  led  him  to  adopt  that  form  of  Universalism 
known  as  final  restoration.  After  removing  to  Glastenbury, 
he  joined  the  church  there  in  that  way  known  as  the  "  half 
way  Covenant,"  and  remained  with  it  five  years.  About 
this  time  a  Methodist  preacher  visited  that  part  of  the  town, 
under  whose  preaching  Mr.  S.  was  converted,  and  at  once 
began  with  ardent  zeal  the  difficult  work  of  converting  oth- 
ers. He  was  soon  after  admitted  to  preach  by  the  Metho- 
dists, and  though  deprived  of  the  benefits  of  early  education, 
his  naturally  strong,  practical  common  sense,  assisted  by  the 
results  of  a  diligent  miscellaneous  reading  pursued  for  sev- 
eral years,  enabled  him  to  acquire  a  very  considerable  reputa- 
tion as  a  preacher,  and  rendered  him  useful  to  the  people 
about  him.  A  church  was  soon  formed  and  a  parish  organ- 
ized. The  names  of  the  persons  who  had  withdrawn  from 
the  church  in  Eastbury  and  joined  the  Methodists  with  him, 
have  ah-eady  been  mentioned.  Others  were  soon  after  add- 
ed, and  Mr.  S.  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  one  hundred  and  fifty 
members  in  his  church  before  his  death.  In  the  beginning  of 
his  ministry,  Mr.  S.  indulged  in  much  severity  against  those 
of  other  denominations.  But  this  feeling  gave  way  before 
greater  experience  and  truer  Christian  principles,  so  that  in 
his  latter  days  he  was  a  man  of  kind  and  charitable  feelings 
toward  Christians  of  every  name.  He  died  March,  1853,  in 
his  eighty-sixth  year.  The  following  members  of  his  family 
are,  or  have  been  in  the  ministry  : 


150 

Rev.  Servilius  Stocking,  for  some  time  a  preacher  in  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  subsequently  became  an  Epis- 
copalian, receiving  Deacon's  orders  in  1838,  and  Priest's  or- 
ders in  1839.  He  is  supposed  to  have  died  with  the  cholera 
at  the  South  in  1847. 

SoPHRONius  H.  Stocking  is  a  preacher  and  a  presiding 
Elder  in  the  Methodist  church. 

Selah  Stocking  is  also  a  preacher  and  a  presiding  Elder 
among  the  Methodists. 

Solon  Stocking  was  for  several  years  a  local  preacher  in 
the  same  denomination,  but  is  at  present  disabled  from  min- 
isterial duty. 

Sabura  S.  Stocking  was  graduated  at  the  Wesleyan  Uni- 
versity, 1835.  After  preaching  among  the  Methodist  for  a 
short  time,  he  entered  the  Episcopal  Church,  receiving  Dea- 
con's orders  in  1839  and  Priest's  in  1840.  To  these  may  be 
added : 

Septerius  Stocking,  a  dentist  of  repute  in  the  city  of 
Boston,  and  also  an  Episcopalian. 

Sabin  Stocking,  M.  D.,  a  graduate  of  the  Medical  Col- 
lege,   a  skilful  and  successful  physician  in  his  native 

place.  He  is  a  Deacon  in  the  Congregational  Church  in 
Eastbury. 

Before  closing  the  account  of  the  Methodist  Society  o* 
East  Glastenbury,  it  should  be  mentioned  that  the  Rev. 
John  Newland  Maffitt  commenced  his  ministerial  labors 
while  residing  in  this  parish. 

SOUTH  GLASTENBUKY. 

The  Methodists  of  South  Glastenbury  seem  to  have  re- 
ceived their  first  impulse  from  the  eastern  part  of  the  town — 
probably  through  the  labors  and  influence  of  Mr.  Stocking. 
At  what  time  they  first  had  preaching,  we  have  been  unable 
to  learn.  The  present  house  of  public  worship  was  built  in 
1828 ;  their  services  having  been  previously  held  in  school 
and  private  houses.  The  Parish,  however,  remained  in  the 
circuit  until  1836,  so  that  we  are  unable  to  give  a  complete 
and  perfect  list  of  the  Preachers,  previous  to  the  latter  date. 


151 

From  1820  to  1836,  we  find  the  following  persons  performing 
ministerial  labor,  but  in  what  capacity  they  officiated,  we 
have  been  unable  to  ascertain.  David  Riply,  L.  Bennett, 
Charles  L.  Cooley,  Elder  Charles  Remington,  V.  R,  Osborne, 
Hector  Bronson,  Heman  Perry,  Ephraim  Scott,  John  E.  Ris- 
ley,  Jeremiah  Stocking,  Selah  Stocking,  Reuben  Ransom  and 
J.  Shepard.  A  part  of  these  were  probably  stationed  at 
Hoccanum,  and  hence  would  be  likely  to  perform  marriages 
and  burials  in  Glastenbury;  inasmuch  as  part  of  their  con- 
gregation resided  in  that  town.  From  1836  to  the  present 
time,  the  following  preachers  have  been  stationed  at  South 
Glastenbury. 

Year.  Name.  Admitted  Preacher. 


1836, 

Rev 

.  George  May,    -        -        - 

1836. 

1837, 

u 

Abijah  C.  Wheat, 

-     1835. 

1838, 

a 

Abijah  C.  Wheat,     - 

1835. 

1839, 

u 

Henry  Tarbush, 

-     1836. 

1840, 

(( 

Lorin  C.  Collins, 

1838. 

1841, 

(( 

Lorin  C.  Collins, 

-     1838. 

1842, 

« 

F.  Bill. 

1743, 

(( 

Moses  Stoddard, 

1837. 

1844, 

(( 

Maurice  LefRngwell,     - 

-     1844. 

1845, 

u 

Erastus  Benton, 

1833. 

1846, 

(( 

Erastus  Benton, 

-     1833. 

1847, 

11 

Moses  Chase,    - 

1833. 

1848, 

i( 

Loren  W.  Blood, 

-     1839. 

1849, 

u 

Loren  W.  Blood, 

1839. 

1850, 

(( 

Daniel  Dorchester,  Jr., 

-     1847. 

1851, 

u 

Warren  Emmerson, 

-     1828. 

1852, 

11 

David  Bradbury, 

1837. 

1853, 

(I 

David  Bradbury, 

-     1837. 

SECOND  ADVENTISTS. 


Both  of  the  Methodist  Societies  in  Glastenbury,  and  that 
in  South  Glastenbury,  in  particular,  received  a  heavy  blow 
a  few  years  since,  by  the  secession  of  a  body  of  their  mem- 
bers who  had  become  "  Millerites,"  or  "  Second  Advent"  peo- 
ple, and  who,  either  before  or  since,  have  embraced  the  doc- 
trine of  the  soul's  mortality  and  the  consequent  final  annihi- 
lation of  the  wicked.  There  is  a  small  body  of  people  pro- 
fessing this  faith,  in  South   Glastenbury,  which  still  holds 


152 

occasional  services,  but,  we  believe,  without  any  regular 
organization.  A  public  discussion  of  this  doctrine  took 
place  at  South  Glastenbury  in  the  winter  of  1849  and  1850, 
between  Mi-.  Turner,  the  Second  Advent  preacher  then  sup- 
plying there,  and  the  Eev.  Mr.  Jones,  the  Congregational 
minister  of  the  place,  which  was  published — first  by  Mr. 
Turner,  and  subsequently  by  Mr.  Jones,  in  order  to  correct 
what  he  conceived  to  be  the  unfaithfulness  of  the  first  re- 
port. 

BAPTISTS. 

There  was  a  small  congregation  of  Baptists  in  the  south 
part  of  the  town,  during  the  latter  part  of  the  last,  and  the 
beginning  of  the  present  century.  Though  they  seemed  to 
have  had  an  organized  society,  we  have  found  no  account  of 
any  settled  minister.  Tradition,  however,  informs  us,  that 
Doct.  Solomon  Wheat,  who  was  also  a  Baptist  preacher, 
officiated  here  for  a  considerable  time.  The  Society  has 
now  been  extinct  for  many  years. 

GENERAL  HISTORY. 

Most  of  the  leading  incidents  of  the  Town's  History, 
which  can  be  perpetuated  in  a  work  like  the  present,  have 
already  been  recorded.  The  history  of  our  Schools,  our 
Commerce  and  Manufactures,  our  Mills,  and  the  like,  to- 
gether with  the  account  of  the  several  Ecclesiastical  Socie- 
ties and  their  Ministers,  since  the  Revolution,  leaves  little 
else  to  be  added.  Yet  there  are  various  miscellaneous  mat- 
ters of  interest  which  ought  to  be  noticed,  which  are  mainly 
gathered  from  the  private  journal  referred  to  under  another 
head.  1787,  Aug.  14th — a  violent  whirlwind  passed  over 
this  Town.  It  arose  in  Rocky  Hill,  a  little  north  of  the  cen- 
ter, where  it  demolished  a  house  occupied  by  a  Mr.  Baldwin, 
killing  Mrs.  B.  and  a  little  child.  Passing  easterly  across  the 
river,  it  intersected  the  main  street  a  little  south  of  the  meet- 
ing-house, pursuing  its  course  east  and  north-east  to  Bolton 
and   Coventry.     It  unroofed  one  house,  demolished  three 


153 

bams,  destroyed  a  large  quantity  of  fence,  and  overturned 
acres  of  wood  in  its  course  through  the  town. 

DEATHS  AND  LONGEVITY. 

The  mortality  of  Glastenbury  Society,  for  several  years, 
has  been  noted  in  the  journal  before  us,  and  was  copied  by 
the  writer  from  the  annual  Sermons  of  Mr.  Lockwood :  this 
gives  us  the  Deaths  as  follows: — In  1787  they  were  18;  in 
1788,  22;  in  1789,  16;  in  1790,  20,  or  an  average  of  twenty- 
one  a  year.  Again  in  1803,  the  deaths  amounted  to  sixteen. 
In  Eastbury,  in  1789,  they  were  eighteen.  This  account  does 
not  indicate  any  unusual  degree  of  mortality,  nor,  indeed, 
does  the  place  seem  to  have  been  subject  to  any  visitations 
of  this  kind.  But,  though  not  subject  to  epidemics  or  any 
prevailing  disorder,  the  inhabitants  do  not  often  arrive  at 
any  great  degree  of  longevity,  in  proof  of  which  it  may  be 
mentioned,  that  there  is  not,  at  the  present  time,  an  individ- 
ual in  town  that  has  reached  the  age  of  ninety.  There  is 
one  disease,  however,  and  that  a  mental  one,  which  has  been 
more  than  usually  prevalent  in  this  Town,  and  which  may 
well  employ  the  minds  of  its  physicians  and  philosophers ; 
leading,  as  it  has  done  in  a  number  of  instances,  to  self-de- 
struction. 

FLOODS. 

No  season  passes  without  something  of  a  flood  on  the 
river;  but  in  a  few  instances  these  have  risen  to  such  height 
as  to  gain  lasting  celebrity.  Such  was  that  of  1801,  since 
known  as  the  "Jefferson  flood,"  and  which  rose  higher  than 
any  before  remembered.  Nor  has  it  been  equalled  by  any 
since  that  time,  though  those  of  1843,  and  1852,  far  exceeded 
those  of  common  years.  These  floods  are  almost  always  in 
the  spring;  but  a  few  years  since,  one  of  great  power  and 
violence  arose  in  the  month  of  January — and  it  is  only  three 
years  since  we  had  one  in  the  middle  of  the  summer. 

AMUSEMENTS. 
There  is  nothing  that  goes  to  show  that  the  amusements 


154 

of  the  young  people  in  this  Town,  in  former  days,  differed 
materially  from  those  of  other  towns.  Yet  we  do  not  meet 
with  the  "husking"  and  "the  apple-paring,"  as  we  have 
been  accustomed  to  elsewhere.  Indeed,  the  arrangement  of 
the  farms  here  seems  rather  to  have  precluded  the  former, 
while  custom  had  not  introduced  the  latter.  Dancing, 
however,  seems  to  have  been  a  leading  favorite  of  the  young, 
and  to  have  been  pursued  on  all  allowable  occasions.  Thus 
in  the  journal  so  often  quoted  we  read — 

"1792,  June  27.  Mr.  Brown  ordained — day  fine — concourse  of  people 
large.     Ball  in  the  evening — assembly  numerous." 

"1796,  Aug.  30.  Mr.  Lockwood  installed — audience  crowded.  *  *  * 
*  *  The  Overseers  of  the  day  exhibited  with  propriety  a  Ball  in  the 
evening — 54  Ladies — 34  Lads." 

This,  perhaps,  was  an  improvement  upon  an  earlier  prac- 
tice, when  large  provisions,  especially  of  wines  and  liquors, 
were  made  for  making  glad  the  hearts  of  those  who  partic- 
ipated therein,  but  which  often  cost  the  Parish  no  small  sum. 
The  expenses  of  the  early  ordinations  in  Glastenbury  have 
not  generally  been  preserved,  but  in  one  instance  the  provi- 
sion for  the  clergy  was  over  <£10,  or  about  $40. 

ANNUAL  ELECTIONS. 

0 

How  long  the  practice  of  having  a  sermon  at  Freemen's 
Meeting  was  continued  in  Glastenbury,  does  not  appear; 
but  in  1793  Mr.  Brown  preached  on  such  an  occasion.  This 
Town,  as  is  well  known,  has  been,  from  an  early  period,  a 
stronghold  of  "the  Democracy."  Of  the  causes  which  led 
to  this,  or  which  have  perpetuated  the  power  of  that  party, 
we  can  not  speak,  and  we  have  only  alluded  to  it  in  order 
to  record,  as  an  item  of  interest,  the  relative  strength  of  par- 
ties as  indicated  by  the  votes  polled  half  a  century  ago. 

1803,  Spring— Democrats,  136;  Federalists,  124;  total,  260. 
"       Fall,  "  148  "  96       "    244. 

1804,  «  170  "  139       "    309. 
1806,                          «          127            "  104       "    231. 


155 


SEVENTEEN-YEAR  LOCUSTS. 

Glastenbury  has  long  been  a  locality  of  these  curious  and 
unaccountable  creatures.  They  appeared  in  1852  on  a  piece 
of  land  belonging  to  Capt.  J.  Post,  Esq.,  situated  near  the 
New  London  Turnpike,  about  eight  miles  from  Hartford. 
The  same  animals  were  in  the  same  place  in  1835,  as  ap- 
peared from  his  books;  and  in  1835  he  obtained  satisfactory 
evidence  that. they  had  been  there  in  1818.  In  the  year  pre- 
ceding or  following  one  of  these,  1818,  1835  and  1852,  an 
occasional  straggling  Locust  may  sometimes  be  seen  in  this 
neighborhood,  but  none  have  ever  been  seen  in  any  of  the 
intermediate  years.  In  1818,  1835  and  1852,  they  came  in 
throngs,  covering  several  acres,  but  never  removing  to  anoth- 
er place.     They  were  born,  lived  and  died  in  the  same  spot. 

Fellow-Citizens  : 

In  conclusion,  permit  a  word  of  reflection  and  review. 
Whoever  traces  an  outline  of  American  history,  whether  in 
Country,  State  or  Town,  and  attempts  to  follow  back  that 
great  current  of  human  freedom  which  is  here  setting  down 
the  stream  of  time  with  such  majestic  power  and  irresistible 
force;  whoever,  we  say,  attempts  to  trace  this  back  to  the 
rill  and  the  fountain  from  whence  it  sprung,  will  not  be  able 
to  resist  the  conclusion  that  the  principles  which  form  the 
characteristics  of  our  institutions  are  of  divine  origin.  If  we 
go  back  to  the  fountain-head,  we  shall  find  the  germ  of  these 
in  the  Gospel.  No  such  free  principles  as  we  now  inherit 
ever  saw  the  light  of  day,  except  as  they  beamed  through 
the  divine  oracles.  This  germ,  planted  in  an  obscure  cor- 
ner of  Jerusalem,  by  the  aid  of  Divine  power  worked  its  way 
through  the  darkness  and  gloom  of  an  idolatrous,  world,  up 
to  the  imperial  throne  upon  the  seven  hills  of  the  Tiber, 
leaving  traces,  more  or  less  distinct,  of  its  mission,  to  the 
governments  of  the  earth.  And  when  Roman  civilization 
and  Christian  institutions  were  alike  subjected  to  the  bar- 
barous Goth,  the  Divine,  reared  its  head  from  the  ruins  of 
Italy  to  enlighten  and  to  bless  the  world.     Here,  in  tlie  sun- 


156 

ny  cities  of  South  en  Europe,  grew  up  a  degree  of  freedom 
which  the  fears  of  the  feudal  lords  and  the  humaner  policy  of 
the  Church,  assisted  to  consolidate  and  ripen  until  it  became 
strong  enough  to  assert  the  rights  which  belonged  to  it. 
And  now  the  Crusades,  though  having  a  widely  different 
object  in  view,  became  the  means  of  transplanting  the  same 
principles  of  freedom  to  other  countries,  there  to  take  root, 
grow,  and  produce  abundant  fruit.  And  finally,  the  quarrels 
of  kings  and  princes  were  overruled  to  the  good  of  the  com- 
mon people,  and  were  made  the  means  of  their  participation 
in  the  natural  rights  of  their  humanity.  Hence,  especially 
in  England,  rose  towns  and  other  municipal  corporations — 
those  nurseries  and  safeguards  of  Liberty,  and  also  that 
common  law  which  has  ever  since  governed  all  their  actions. 
At  this  juncture,  the  quarrels  of  'Churchmen  and  Puritans 
drove  the  latter  from  their  home,  to  seek  that  liberty  in  this 
Western  wild,  which  they  could  not  secure  in  their  native 
land.  And  because  they  could  not  bring  the  State,  they 
brought  with  them  the  town;  and  planting  these  all  over 
the  land  they  created  a  State  with  the  freedom  of  the  town, 
while  the  town  itself  remained  the  depository  and  the  de- 
fender of  those  principles  which  vivified  the  State.  The 
principles  thus  derived  and  transmitted,  greatly  augmented 
and  increased  by  the  new  impulse  given  to  the  Gospel  by 
the  Reformation,  were  steadily  gaining  ground,  deepening, 
widening  and  extending — increasing  the  number  and  power 
of  the  States,  when  an  assault  upon  them  from  the  British 
throne  developed  a  new  aspect  of  things  hitherto  unthought 
of.  Men  forgot  their  local  interests  and  sectional  jealousies 
and  sectarian  prejudices  in  defense  of  a  common  cause. 
Puritan  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut,  Baptist  Rhode  Isl- 
and, Episcopal  Virginia,  Roman  Catholic  Maryland,  Pres- 
byterian New  Jersey,  New  York  with  its  Dutch  Reformed, 
Presbyterian  and  Episcopal,  and  still  other  States  with  still 
other  peculiarities,  were  brought  together  and  consolidated 
into  a  single  people.  All  these  had  been  established  upon 
the  great  principles  of  municipal  freedom  of  towns  peculiar 
to  the  English  common  law.     But  the  development  of  the 


157 

consequences  legitimately  involved  in  these  principles  had 
been  aided,  counteracted,  or  modified  by  the  peculiarities  of 
creeds  and  condition  prevailing  in  the  Colonies.  It  needed 
a  seven  years'  war,  a  seven  years'  sense  of  common  danger 
and  common  hope — a  holy  sabbatism  of  divine  interposi- 
tion— to  wear  out  and  overcome  sectional  and  sectarian  bias, 
and  to  remove  the  obstructions  which  ignorance,  illiberality, 
or  misdirected  piety  had  placed  in  the  way  of  the  develop- 
ment of  those  free  principles  which  form  the  characteristic  of 
our  free  institutions.  As  in  nature  "the  boy  is  the  father 
of  the  man,"  so  with  us,  the  toivn  is  father  of  the  State.  It 
is  in  the  history  of  towns,  therefore,  that  we  are  to  seek 
alike  those  principles  that  guide,  and  those  materials  which 
form  the  history  of  the  State. 

We  see,  therefore,  that  these  principles  of  freedom,  which 
made  us  what  we  are,  were  of  Divine  origin; — that  they 
were  silently  and  slowly  infused  into  certain  walks  and 
grades  of  life  in  the  old  world,  and  that,  when  sufficiently 
matured  and  strengthened  for  the  purpose,  they  were  trans- 
planted to  this  country  by  men  of  strong  arms,  and  stronger 
hearts — with  power  to  will  and  power  to  do :  a  noble  race  of 
men,  whom  we  glory  in  calling  our  ancestors.  Whether  or  no 
men  agree  with  all  their  views  and  fancies,  they  can  not 
doubt  the  devotion,  the  honesty,  the  resolution,  the  bravery, 
and  the  self-sacrificing  spirit  of  our  fathers.  They  felt  that 
they  had  a  high  and  holy  mission  to  the  world,  and  though 
they  may  have  sometimes  erred  in  their  mode  of  declaring 
it,  the  present  condition  and  prospects  of  our  country  are  clear 
evidence  that  they  were  not  mistaken.  If,  then,  there  be 
any  meaning  in  history,  any  teachings  in  God's  providence — 
any  lesson  for  the  future  to  be  learned  from  the  experience  of 
the  past,  the  duty  of  the  American  citizen  is  among  the 
highest  and  holiest  upon  earth ;  and  he  who  would  dismem- 
ber this  glorious  Union,  or  resist  the  peaceable  operations  of 
its  laws,  must  be  blind  to  the  past,  careless  of  the  present, 
and  heedless  of  the  future.  The  voice  that  bid  Israel  go  in 
and  possess  Canaan  might  have  been  more  audible,  but  was 
no  more  certain  than  that  which  bids  us  be  a  great,  a  free, 


158 

and  a  happy  people.  We  have  but  to  listen  to  that  voice, 
to  obey  its  behests,  and,  in  the  fear  of  God,  to  march  on  in 
the  way  He  has  marked  out,  to  make  the  town,  the  State, 
the  nation,  preeminent  above  all  others — as  the  name  im- 
ports— 

GLASTENBURY  FOREVER. 


APPENDIX  I. 

ORIGINAL  SURVEY  OF  NAUBUC,  WITH  SOME  GENEALOGI- 
CAL ACCOUNT  OF  THE  FAMILIES  POSSESSING 
THE  FARMS. 


The  land  lying  on  the  East  side  of  the  Connecticut  river,  within  the  bounds 
of  what  was  then  Wethersfield,  was  the  first  tract  of  land  in  the  Colony  regu- 
larly surveyed,  and  laid  out  in  farms, — this  having  been  done  previous  to 
1640.  By  this  survey  all  the  land  from  Hartford  hne  to  the  vicinity  of 
Roaring  brook  had  been  laid  out  in  farms  of  various  widths,  each  being  bound- 
ed by  the  Great  river  West,  and  by  the  wilderness  East,  each  being  three 
miles  long.  The  object  of  this  seems  to  have  been,  that  every  one  might 
possess  a  due  proportion  of  meadow,  of  upland  suitable  for  cultivation,  and 
of  woodland,  furnishing  the  fuel  and  timber  for  all  necessary  purposes. 

We  give  below,  a  comparative  view  of  the  farms  surveyed  at  Naubuc, 
about  1639  and  40, — the  names  of  the  persons  to  whom  they  were  set,  and  the 
width  of  the  same.  To  this  we  have  added,  for  the  sake  of  comparison,  the 
lots  as  they  stood  in  1684,  with  some  occasional  lines  as  they  now  stand  on  the 
highway,  enabling  persons  of  the  present  day  to  ascertain  the  original  loca- 
tion of  their  farms.  A  few  of  the  names  and  quantities  towards  the  northern 
part,  are  something  in  doubt  as  they  stand  in  the  first  column,  having  been 
deduced  from  a  comparison  of  the  recorded  and  unrecorded  lots.  But  the 
principal  ones  are  certain,  and  the  remainder  sufficiently  accurate  to  pre- 
vent any  material  error. 

To  tins  we  have  added  brief  genealogies  of  those  families  whose  descend- 
ants stiU  remain  here,  so  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  procure  them.  There 
are  no  doubt  materials  for  enlarging  this  part,  indefinitely  almost.  Our  ob- 
ject has  been,  to  show  the  relation  and  descent  of  the  householders  in  Glas- 
tenbury,  at  the  time  of  the  incorporation  of  the  Town  and  building  of  the 
Meeting  House,  with  the  early  settlers  of  Wethersfield.  These  householders 
are  designated  by  being  printed  in  large  capitals.  Those  who  have  repre- 
sented the  Town  in  the  General  Assembly,  have  an  asterisk  (*)  prefixed  to 
their  names. 


160 
Nauhuc  Farms :  from  Hartford^  South. 
1640.  1684.  1853. 


RODS  WIDE. 

1  George  WyUis,                      80 

Samuel  Wyllis, 

RODS  WIDE. 

_  2  John  Deming, 

26| 

3  Robert  Bates, 

30  J 

4  Richard  Gildersleeve, 

37i 

5  Joseph  Sherman, 

40 

Thomas  Bunce, 

40 

6  Thurston  Rayner, 

55 

Richard  Smith, 

55 

7  Thomas  Welles, 

72i 

Samuel  Welles , 

721 

Thaddeus  Welles. 

8 

47- 

Richard  Smith, 
James  Wright, 

25  . 
22 

Hebron  Turnpike. 

9 

22 

Edward  Benfon, 

22 

40  ~ 

Mr.  Wyllis, 

8 

Meeting  House. 

10  Rev.  Henry  Smith, 

Samuel  Hale, 

32 

.|.|  Samviel  Sherman, 
^    Richard  Gildersleeve, 

44 

Capt.  Talcott, 

44 

Talcotts. 

12  Samuel  Smith, 

22,L 

Wm.  Wickham, 

22i 

• 

13  Thomas  Uffoot, 

\^ 

WUliam  Goodrich, 

19i 

14  George  Hubbard, 

15  George  Wyllis, 

32^ 
30 

John  Hubbard, 

60 

David  Hubbard. 

G            Highway. 

16  Robert  Rose, 

52 

Samuel  Smith, 

52 

17  John  Gibbs, 

22 

William  Miller, 

22 

D.  Watrous. 

Highway, 

15- 

2  rods. 

James  Richards, 
John  Edwards, 

93 

27i 

18  Nathaniel  Foote, 

32 

19  Mr.  Parke, 

17 

20  Abraham  Finch, 

10 

21  John  Plum, 

34 

22  John  Thomson, 

7 

23  John  Edwards, 

^ 

1640. 


161 

1684. 


1853. 


24  Frances  Kilborn, 


18      John  Kilborn, 


18      Austin  Kilborn,  Ejq.,  15 


25  Thomas  Coleman, 


26  Jeffrey  Ferris, 


27  John  W'hitmore, 


15      Coleman, 


7i 


Thomas  Welles, 


15 
18 


28  John  Robbins, 


22      Eleazer  Kimberley, 


22      Misses  Smith, 


22 


29  Thomas  Wright, 


30  Robert  Cooe, 


31  James  Boosie, 


32  Leonard  Chester, 


7      Jno.  Wright, 


13 


14 


33  Clement  Chaplain, 


200 


Osmer  Hale. 


Messrs.  Graves,  37i    Elijah  Miller. 

Gershom  Bulkley,  37^ 

John  Hollister,  37J^ 

34  Matthew  Mitchel,  150      Robert  Rose,  37^ 

a5 John  Hollister,  (20)? 

Treat  Farm,  310 

6.  T.  V.  1720. 
36  This  width  must  have  been 

computed  from  the  mouth 
of  Roaring  Brook,  South. 

37 Samuel  Hale,  Jr.,  I32 

38 Rich.  Smith,  Jr.,  13J 

39 John  Hollister,  13J 

40 John  Waddams,  13} 

41 Caleb  Benjamin,  13J 

42 Thomas  Edwards,  13| 

43 Richard  Treat,  13| 

44 Thomas  Loveland,  132 

Undivided  land  until  1743. 

(285) ? 

Thomas  Brewer,  8  J 

Rev.  T.  Stevens,  25 

Middletown.  Chatham.  Portland. 

11 


162 

1.  George  Wyllis.  The  first  lot  on  the  North  was  80  rods  wide,  con- 
taining 480  acres,  and  was  set  out  to  George  Wyllis.  Mr.  W.  came  to 
America  from  Fenny  Compton,  England,  where  he  left  a  large  estate.  He 
was  chosen  Lieutenant  Governor  of  the  colony  in  1641,  and  Governor  in 
1642.  He  died  in  March,  1644,  leaving  his  property  in  Naubuc  to  his  son 
Samuel,  who  added  other  lots  by  purchase  from  Strickling,  Morehouse,  Sher- 
wood, Talcott,  Gibbins,  Fletcher,  and  others,  containing  in  all  56 7^  acres. 
To  all  this,  the  General  Court  in  1670,  added  a  mile  in  length,  his  farm  then 
being  174^  rods  in  width.  Samuel  W.  was  born  in  England,  graduated  at 
Harvard,  1653,  and  the  next  year  at  the  early  age  of  twenty-one,  was  elected 
an  Assistant,  and  to  the  same  office  annually,  until  1684.  He  married  Ruth, 
daughter  of  Gov.  Haynes.  He  died  in  1709,  leaving  several  children,  among 
whom  was  Hezekiah,  who  inherited  the  property  in  Naubuc. 

Hezekiah  Wyllis  married  Elizabeth,  the  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Jeremiah 
Hobart,  in  1702.  He  was  Secretary  of  State,  from  1711  to  1735.  George 
Wyllis,  the  son  of  Hezekiah,  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1729,  married  Mary, 
the  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Timothy  Woodbridge  of  Hartford,  and  was  Secre- 
tary of  State  from  1735  to  1796,  a  period  of  sixty -one  years.  Gen.  Samuel 
Wyllis,  son  of  George  Wyllis,  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1 758,  and  was  Secre- 
tary of  State,  from  1796  to  1809,  when  Thomas  Day  was  chosen  assistant 
Secretary.  Some  of  the  descendants  of  George  Wyllis  are  stiU  resident  in 
Glastenbury,  bearing  other  names.* 

2.  Jonx  Deming.  The  width  of  the  second  lot  laid  out  to  John  Deming, 
called  in  the  earliest  record,  Demion,  is  not  specified.  It  seems,  however,  to 
have  been  about  26|  rods  wide,  and  to  have  contained  about  160  acres.  It 
was  subsequently  sold  to  Mr.  Wyllis,  as  mentioned  below.  Mr.  Deming  left 
a  large  family,  the  descendants  of  which  are  still  among  our  citizens.f 

His  wife's  name  Is  unknown.     The  children  were — 

John,  b.  Sept.    9, 1638,  m.  Mary    ,  Sept.  20,  1657,  d.  January  23, 1712. 

Jonathan,  li.  1639,  m.  (1)  Sarah ,  Nov.  11,1660,(2)  E.  GUbert,  Dec.  25,, 

Samuel,  b.        m.  Sarah  ,  Dec.  d.  1683.  [1673. 

David,  b.        m.  Mary   ,  Aug.  14, 1678. 

Ebenezer,  b. m.  Sarah ,  July  16, 1677,  d.  May  2, 1705. 

Dau. m.  Morgan. 

Dau. m.  Beckley. 

Dau. m.  Hurlburt. 

Dau.  [Mercy  ']       m.  Wright,  [Joseph,  1685  ?] 

Dau. m.  5Ioody. 

(2)  John  Deming,  Jr.,  known  as  Serjt.  D.,  and  Mary  his  wife,  had, 

John,  b.  Sept.    9, 1658,  m.  Mary  Graves,        June     5, 1684,  d.  Nov.  25, 1729. 

Joseph,       b.  June    1,  1661. 

Jonathan,  b.  Feb.    12,  1663,  m.  Mary  Bucls,  Oct.      27, 1687. 

Mary,  b.  Feb.      1, 1666. 

Samuel,      b.  Aug.   25, 1668,  m.  Sarah ,       March  29, 1694. 


*  W.  R.  I.  63,  II.  145.     Trumb.  C,  R.  II.  144.     Porter's  Hist.  Not.  23,  24. 
tW.  R.  I.  131. 


163 

Jacob,         b.  Aug.   24,  1670,  m.  Elizabeth  Eawards,  March  14,  1G95. 

Sarah,         b.  Jan.    17,  1672. 

Uezekiab. 

(2)  Jonathan  Doming  married  (1)  Sarah ,  1C60,  and  had, 

Jonathan,  b.  Nov.  27, 1661,  m.  Abigail  Filer,  Jan.  5, 1709,  d.  Nov.  21, 1727. 

Sarah,         b.  Aug.  12,  1663,  m. Kiley. 

Mary,  b.  July  11,  1665,  m.  Joseph  Smith,  Nov.  26, 1685. 

Comfort,     b.  June  5,  1668,  m.  Nathaniel  Beckly,  May  18,  1693. 

Mrs.  D.  dying  June  5,  1G68,  he  m.  (2)  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Joslah  Gilbert, 

a  resident  of  Nayaug,  from  1051  to  16G3,  and  had, 

Elizabeth,  b.  June  12,  1674,  m.  Richard  Beckly. 

Elusse,       b.  Feb.    16,1675. 

Thomas,     b.  Nov.  27,  1679,  m.  Mary  TVilliams,  June  2,  1698,  d.  1741. 

Charles,      b.  June  10,  1681,  m.  Anna,  dau.  Tho.  AVickham,  Sept.  5,  1706. 

Benjamin,  b.  July  20,  1684,  m.  Mary ,  Feb.  4, 1707. 

Jacob,  b.  Dec.  20,  1689. 
Mary,  b.  Oct.   24,  1692. 

Ann,  b.  Oct.     1,  1695,  m.  Nathaniel  Wright,  March  12, 1712. 

(2)  David  Deming  married  Maiy ,  16  78,  and  had, 

David,  b.  July  20, 1681. 
Samuel,  b.  Aug.  9,  1683. 
Honor,  b.  May  9,  1685. 
Mehitable,  b. m.  Nathaniel  Stillman,  June,  1743. 

(2)  Ebenezer  Deming  m.  Sarah ,  1677,  and  had, 

Ebenezer,  b.  May    5,  1678,  m.  Rebecca  Treat,  Dec.  27,  1704. 

John,         b.  July  25, 1679. 

Sarah,        b.  Jan.    9,  1681,  m.  Joseph  Talcott,  April  5, 1701. 

Ephraim,  b. m.  Hannah . 

Josiah,        b. 

Prudence,  b. m.  Thomas  Wright,  Oct.  4,  1705,  d.  Oct.  1706. 

Previous  to  1668,  Samuel  Wyllis  had  become  possessed  of  the  three  lots 
last  described,  having  purchased  them  of  Strickling,  Morehouse,  Sherwood, 
Talcott,  Gibbins,  Foxes  and  Fletcher,  (as  the  names  seem  to  be,)  who  had 
probably  obtained  their  tide  by  inheritance.  The  intermediate  title,  how- 
ever, cannot  be  traced,  owing  to  the  loss  of  the  Probate  records  during  this 
period.  The  four  lots  belonged  to  Samuel  "Wyllis  at  the  time  of  the  survey 
of  Naubuc — made  by  order  of  a  General  Court  in  1684. 

3.  Robert  Bates.  The  third  lot  seems  to  have  been  30^  rods  wide,  and 
to  have  contained  182  acres.  It  was  laid  out  to  Robert  Bates,  who  removing, 
sold  to  William  Gibbons  as  early  as  1641.  The  persons  bearing  this  name 
in  Town,  are  probably  the  descendants  of  this  man.* 

4.  Richard  Gildersleeve.  The  fourth  lot  was  37^  rods  wide,  and 
containing  225  acres,  was  laid  out  to  Richard  Gildersleeve,  and  by  him  sold 
to  John  Talcott,  in  1643.  It  is  described  in  the  deed  as  "  The  piece  which 
Frog  brook  runs  through."  Some  of  the  descendants  of  this  man  are  still 
resident  here,  and  in  the  Towns  adjacent,  especially  in  Portland. 

5.  Joseph  Sherman.  The  fifth  lot  of  land,  was  set  out  to  Joseph  Sher- 
man, who  gave  it  to  his  son  Samuel  Sherman,  In  1641.     As  then  described, 

♦W.  R.  I.  61,  12C<. 


164 

it  contained  144  acres.  Mr.  Sherman  having  removed  to  Stamford,  it  was 
subsequently  sold  to  Thomas  Bunce,  and  then  contained  240  acres.  The  first 
entry  is  probably  a  mistake,  as  the  farm  of  Thomas  Bunce  "was  found  to 
contain  240  acres  at  the  general  survey  in  1684.  The  Bunces  now  residing 
in  Town  are  supposed  to  be  the  descendants  of  Thomas  Bunce.* 

6.  Thurston  Rayner.  The  sixth  lot  was  65  rods  wide,  and  contained 
330  acres.  It  was  originally  set  out  to  Thurston  Rayner.  Mr.  R.  removing 
to  Stamford  in  1641,  sold  this  lot  to  Richard  Treat.  Richard  Treat,  Jr.,  in 
1660,  sold  it  to  James  Boswell,  who  sold  it  to  Richard  Smith,  in  1664,  to 
whom  it  belonged  at  the  time  of  the  survey  in  1684.  Mr.  Rayner  removing 
early,  left  no  descendants  here,  but  the  first  Episcopal  minister  that  preached 
in  Glastenbury,  appears  to  have  been  a  descendant.  Mr.  Boswell  never  re- 
sided here.  The  descendants  of  Richard  Treat  are  among  the  present  in- 
habitants of  the  Town.f 

7.  Thomas  Welles.  This  lot  in  1684,  was  72i  rods  in  width,  contain- 
ing 435  acres.  It  seems  to  have  retained  its  original  width,  though  not  its 
length,  without  alteration,  as  it  had  remained  in  the  same  family  without 
change. 

Thomas  Welles  probably  came  to  Hartford  from  Saybrook,  and  is  re- 
ported by  tradition  to  have  been  private  Secretary  to  Lord  Say  and  Seal,  be- 
fore coming  to  this  country.  He  was  first  Treasurer  of  the  Colony,  and  then 
Secretary  from  1640  to  1648  ;  Lieut.  Governor  in  1654,  6,  7  and  9  ;  and  Gov. 
in  1658.  He  died  January  14th,  1660.  He  married  for  his  second  wife, 
Elizabeth,  widow  of  Nathaniel  Foote,  and  sister  of  John  Deming,  and  had, 

Thomas,  who  settled  in  Hartford. 

Samuel,   to  whom  the  Gov.  gave  half  his  farm  in  Nauhuc,  and  who  d.  1675. 
John,       who  went  to  Stamford,  in  1640,  carrying  the  Weth.  records  with  him. 
Mary,      m.  (1)  Tho.  Thompson,  (2)  Anthony  Hart,  Farmington. 
Ann,        m. 

Sarah,     m.  John  Chester,  of  Wethersfield,  whose  dau.  m.  Eev.  Timothy  Stevens. 
(3)  Robert,  the  son  of  John,  inherited  the  Governor's  farm  in  Wethersfield,  covering  the  ground 
where  the  State  Prison  now  is,  and  extending  near  half  a  mile  further  North. 

(3)  Thomas,  who  had  one-half  the  Naubuc  farm. 

(4)  Gideon  was  the  son  of  Robert,  who  had, 

(5)  Gideon,  M.  D.  of  Canterbury,  and  Solomon,  who  married  his  cousin  from  Glastenbury. 

(6)  Leonard,  son  of  Gideon,  m.  Robbins,  and  had, 

(7)  Leonard,  who  had, 

(8)  Gen.  Leonard  R.  Welles,  the  present  Warden  of  the  State  Prison. 

(2)  Samuel  m.  Elizabeth,  and  had, 

Samuel,    b.  April  13, 1660,  d.  Aug.  28, 1731. 

Thomas,   b.  July  29,  1662. 

Sarah,       b.  Sept.  29,  1664,  m.  Ephraim  Hawley. 

Mary,        b.  Nov.  23,  1666,  m.  Samuel  Hale,  Jr. 

Ann,         b.  1668. 

EUzabethjb.  1670,  m.  Daniel  Shelton,  Stratford. 

(3)  *SAMUEL  WELLES,  m.  Ruth  Rice,  and  had, 

*Samuel,    b.  Dec.      24,  1689,  Grad.  Yale,  1707,  d.  May  20, 1770.    Samuel  Welles,  the  Parisian 
♦Thomas,  b.  Feb.      14,  1693,  m.  Martha  Pitkin,  d.  May  14, 1767.  [Banker,  was  his  son 

*  W.  R.  I.  99,  128.  t  W.  R.  I.  59,  74,  82,  141. 


165 

Thaddeus,  b.  March  27,  1695,  d.  Dec.    22,  1780.     " 

SUas,  b.  March    4,  1700,  d.  Sept.  17,  1754. 

Mrs.  Ruth  WeUes  d.  March  31,  1742. 

(4)  Thaddeus  m.  Elizabeth  Cole,  of  East  Hartford,  and  bad, 

Samuel,        b.  1731,  m.  Lucy  Kilborn. 
Bathsheba,  b.  m.  Jedediah  Smith. 

(5)  *Samuel  m.  Lucy  Kilborn,  Aug.  1752,  and  had  a  large  family,  among 
"whom  was, 

(6)  *Samuel,  b.  Oct.  6,  1754,  m.  Ann  Hale,  May  2d,  1783,  d.  Nov.,  1834, 
leaving  several  children,  among  whom  were  *Gideon  and  *Thaddeus,  to  both 
of  whom,  we  are  indebted  for  interesting  particulars  in  relation  to  this  matter. 

Thomas,  of  the  third  generation,  had  eight  children,  of  whom  (4)  Jona- 
than, father  of  the  late  (5)  Jonathan  Welles,  Esq.,  was  one.  (C)  Henry  T. 
Welles,  Esq.,  is  the  most  prominent  representative  of  this  branch  of  the  family. 
The  first  mentioned  Jonathan  married  Catharine  Saltonstall,  daughter  of 
Capt.  Roswell  S.  of  Branford,  eldest  son  of  Gov.  S.  The  mother  of  Capt- 
R.  S.  was  Mary  Haynes,  daughter  of  John  Haynes,  and  grand-daughter 
of  Rev.  Joseph  Haynes,  who  was  the  minister  of  Wethersfield  and  Glasten- 
bury,  in  1663  and  4,  and  who  was  himself  the  son  of  Governor  Haynes. 
The  members  of  this  family  have  ever  been  among  the  most  active  and  ener- 
getic citizens. 

8. .     To  whom  the  eighth  lot  was  originally  set  out,  we 

have  not  been  able  to  ascertain.  It  was,  however,  in  the  possession  of  James 
Wright,  at  an  early  period,  who  between  1670  and '80,  sold  25  rods  in 
width,  upon  the  north  side,  to  Richard  Smith,  Jr.,  reserving  to  himself  a  lot 
22  rods  wide  on  the  south  side.* 

9. .     To  whom  this  lot  was  originally  set  out,  is  a  matter 

of  some  uncertainty.  It  appears  at  one  time  to  have  been  in  the  possession 
of  Gov.  Welles,  but  had  become  the  pi-operty  of  Edward  Benton  some 
time  previous  to  1673,  and  was  in  his  possession  at  the  time  of  the  general 
survey,  1684.     Helel^ 

(1)  Edward  Benton,  b.  1638,  m.  Mary ,  and  d.  1698.     He  had, 

Samuel,  b. m.  Mary  Bradford,  1705. 

Rebecca,  b. . 

Mary,  b. . 

EUenor,  b.  1670,  m.  Daniel  Wright,  Aug.  24,  1705,  d.  1749. 

Dorothy,  b. . 

Edward,  b. ,  m.  Mary  Hale,  1702,  d.  1713. 

Daniel,  b. ,  d.  1682. 

(2)  Samuel,  b. ,  m,  IVIary  Bradford,  and  had, 

Sarah,       b.  March  19, 1706. 

nannah,    b.  July       1, 1710. 

Nathaniel,  b.  March    8,  1714,  d.  1714. 

Jonathan,  b.  Oct.      23, 1715,  m.  Hannah  Beckly,  1742. 

Nathaniel,  b.  April     9,  1718,  m.  Dorothy  Cook,  Oct.  13,  1745. 

Abigail,       b.  Nov.      4,  1720. 

*  W.  R.  II.  254.     Will,  Rich.  Smith,  proved  March  7,  169S.     An  account  of 
this  family  will  be  given  at  lot  number  2'j. 


166 

(2)  EDWARD  BENTON  m.  Mary  Hale,  Oct.  16th,  1702,  and  had, 

*Josiah,    b.  June  16, 1705,  m.  Hannah  House,  Feb.  5, 1736. 
Ephraim,  b.  Aug.  19,  1707. 
Mary,         b.  April  27,  1710. 

10.  Rev.  Henry  Smith.  This  lot  appears  to  have  been  originally  40 
rods  wide,  and  to  have  been  set  out  to  the  Rev.  Henry  Smith,  the  first  set- 
tled minister  of  Wethersfield  and  Glastenbury.  He  ■willed  it  to  his  "wife  in 
1648,  desiring  her  to  give  it  to  his  son  Samuel.  Previous  to  1668,  it  had  be- 
come the  property  of  Samuel  Hale.  This  lot  of  land,  or  another  precisely  like  it, 
belonged  to  Joseph  Parsons,  in  1673.  At  the  time  of  the  general  survey,  in 
1684,  8  rods  on  the  north  side  belonged  to  Mr.  Wyllis,  and  the  remaining  32 
rods  to  Samuel  Hale.  The  present  House  of  public  worship  belonging  to 
the  First  Ecclesiastical  Society  stands  upon  this  lot.* 

*  Samuel  Hale  came  to  this  Colony  at  a  very  early  period.  He  was  at 
Hartford,  in  1637,  and  a  soldier  in  the  Pequot  war,  for  which  he  received  a 
''  lot  in  the  soldier's  field."  In  1639,  he  owned  land  in  Hartford,  on  the  east 
side  of  the  river,  but  in  1643,  he  was  a  resident  in  "Wethersfield.  In  1655, 
he  resided  in  Norwalk,  but  returned  to  Wethersfield,  in  1660,  though  he  did 
not  sell  all  his  property  there  before  1669.  While  residing  in  Norwalk,  IMr. 
H.  represented  that  Town  in  the  General  Court  in  1656,  7  and  60.  After 
his  return  to  Wethersfield,  he  hired  the  Gov.  Welles  estate  of  the  "  Over- 
seers ;"  and  which,  from  the  testimony  in  a  case  of  damage  for  want  of  re- 
pairs, tried  in  1671,  appears  to  have  been  on  the  East  side  of  the  river.  It 
may  serve  to  throw  light  ujwn  the  conveniencies  of  those  days,  to  mention 
that  this  house  had  no  stairs  leading  into  the  chamber,  the  second  story  being 
reached  by  means  of  a  ladder.  His  wife's  name  was  Mary.  He  died  Nov. 
9,  1693.     His  children  were. 

Martha,  b.  1643. 

*SAMUEL  HALE,     b.  1645,  m.  Ruth  Edwards,  d.  Nov.  18, 1711. 

JOHN  HALE,  b.  1647,  m.  Hannah ,  1668,  d.  July  19, 1709. 

Mary,  b.  1649. 

Rebeckah,  b.  1651. 

THOMAS  HALE,       b.  1653,  m.  Naomi  ICilborn,  d.  Dec.  23, 1723. 
EBENEZER  HALE,  b.  July  29,  1661. 
Dorothy,  b. 

One  of  the  daughters  of  Samuel  Hale,  married  Caleb  Benjamin,  who  left  a  dau.  Abigail,  men- 
tioned in  her  grand-father's  will.     She  m.  Doct.  Ebenezer  Hills. 

(2)  Samuel,  Jr.,  married  (1)  Ruth,  daughter  of  Thomas  Edwards,  in 
1679,  and  had, 

Samuel,  b. died  unmarried. 

Mary,      b. m.  John  Day  of  Colchester.t 

Ruth,     b  Dec.  1,  1681,  m.  Thomas,  son  of  Eleazer  Kimberley. 


*T.  C.  R.  I.  503,     W.  R.  I.  88,  II.  1S4. 

t  The  question,  who  Mary  Hale  married,  is  left  by  the  Records  in  no  small 
doubt.     The  following  facts  seem  to  prove,  that  the  view  taken  in  the  text,  is 


167 

Ruth  Hale  d.  Dec.  26,  1682,  and  Samuel  married  (2)  Mary,  dau.  of  Capt. 
Samuel  Welles,  and  had, 

(3)  *Jonathan,  b.  Aug.  21,  1696,  m.  Sarah,  dau.  Deac.  Benj.  Talcott,  Nov.  28, 1717,  d.  July 

'     David,  b.  Jan.     7,  1700,  d.  March  31,  1718.  [2,  1772. 

Joseph,  b.  July   10,  1702,  d.  Aug.       4,  1702. 

Benjamin,  b.  July  22,  1707,  m.  Uannah,  dau.  Deac.  Benj.  Talcott,  January  30,  1729. 

Lieut.  Samuel  Hale,  Justice  of  the  Peace,  d.  Nov.  18,  1711. 
Mrs.  Mary  Hale,  widow  of  Lt.  Samuel  Hale,  d.  Feb.  18, 1715. 

(2)  Thomas  Hale,  son  of  Samuel  Hale,  m.  Naomi  Kilboru,  Oct.  30, 1G79, 
and  had, 

Naomi,    b.  Sept.  20,  1680,  m.  John  Gains. 

Mary,      b.  Nov.  20,  1682,  m.  Kdward  Benton,  Oct.  16, 1702. 

Thomas,  b.  Jan.   26, 1684,  m.  Susannah,  dau.  Nathaniel  Smith,  Jan.  11,  1722. 

Ruth,       b. m.  Benjamin  IloUister. 

Eunice,    b. m.  Ebenezer  Kilborn. 

Thnothy,  b.  1692,  m.  Sarah ,  d.  1784. 

Most  of  the  Hales  of  Glastenbury  have  descended  from  these  two,  Samuel 
and  Thomas.  Descendants  of  the  present  generation  are,  John  A.  Hale, 
Esq.,  Chairman  of  the  Com.  of  Celebration  ;  son  (1)  of  Ebenezer,  (2)  of 
Gideon,  (3)  of  Benjamin,  (4)  of  Samuel,  Jr.,  and  (5)  of  Samuel,  Sen'r. 
Another  member  of  the  Committee  was  Andrew  Talcott  Hale,  son  (1)  of 
Benjamin,  (2)  of  Benjamin,  (3)  of  Timothy,  (4)  of  Timothy,  (5)  of  Thomas, 
(6)  of  Samuel,  Sen'r.  Our  thanks  are  due  to  both  of  these  gentlemen  for 
their  kind  assistance  In  this  part  of  our  work. 

The  Hales  are  supposed  to  have  come  from  Wales,  and  are  said  to  have 
been  men  of  large  size,  and  uncommon  strength.  An  Incident  has  been  com- 
municated to  us  which  goes  to  establish  this  point.  At  the  time  when  the 
stoutest  man  in  the  Town  was  called  "  the  bully,"  a  man,  "  the  bully"  from 
another  Town,  who  had  heard  of  the  feats  of  Mr.  Hale  "  the  bully"  of  Glas- 
tenbury, came  here  for  the  purpose  of  trying  his  strength  with  him.     He  met 


the  true  one.  By  deed  dated  1719,  G.  L.  R.  II.  143,  Thomas  Kimberly  and 
Ruth  Hale  his  wife,  and  John  Day,  and  -Mary  his  wife,  sell  land  to  Jonathan 
Hale,  which  they  owned  in  common,  and  seem  to  have  inherited  of  their 
father.  In  G.  L.  R.,  V.  8,  Jonathan  and  Benjamin  Hale  release  lands  of  their 
brother  Samuel,  to  John  and  Mary  Day,  and  the  following,  children  of  Thomas 
Kimberly,  Samuel  K.,  Jeremiah  and  Ruth  Goodrich,  Jeduthan  and  Mary 
Smith,  Elizabeth  K.,  Daniel  and  Sarah  House,  and  Anne  Kimberley.  This 
would  seem  to  indicate  that  the  relationship  was  to  the  Kimberleys.  On  p. 
Vol.  V.  G.  L.  R.,  John  and  Mary  Day,  sell  land  to  her  brother  Samuel  Kim- 
berly, which  Mary  had  inherited  from  her  grandfather,  Thomas  Edwards. 

Amidst  this  uncertainty  all  we  can  be  sure  of,  is,  that  Mary  Hale  and  Mary 
Day  were  granddaughters  of  Thomas  Edwards,  while  Mary  Hale  was,  and 
Mary  Day  seems  to  have  been  sister  of  Thomas  Kimberley.  Samuel  Kimber- 
ley may  have  married  a  sister  of  John  Day,  which  would  justify  all  the  lan- 
guage. 


168 

Mr.  Hale  on  the  road  with  a  load  of  cider  in  barrels,  and  made  known  his 
business.  Mr.  Hale  consented  to  the  proposition,  the  trial  to  be  had  the  next 
day.  In  the  mean  time,  Mr.  Hale  asked  his  challenger  to  take  a  drink  of 
cider  with  him  ;  and  knocking  out  the  bung  of  a  barrel,  took  it  in  his  hands 
by  the  chine,  raised  it  to  his  mouth  and  drank,  and  offered  it  to  the  astonish- 
ed '•  bully,"  who  declined  that  mode  of  pledging  himself.  Mr.  Hale,  there- 
fore, returned  the  barrel  to  its  place,  and  drove  on.  On  the  morrow,  at  the 
time  appointed,  no  fight  took  place,  the  stranger  "  bully"  not  being  to  be 
found. 

11.  Samuel  Sherman  and  Richard  Gildersleeve.  This  lot  of  land 
measuring  44  rods  in  width  was  originally  set  out  to  the  gentlemen  just  named, 
Mr.  Gildersleeve's  lot  lying  upon  the  north  side,  the  respective  width  of  the 
two  lots  being  unknown.  Both  of  these  lots  were  purchased  by  Mr.  John 
Talcott  of  Hartford,  in  1643.  Mr.  Talcott  dying  in  1659,  bequeathed  the 
property  to  his  son  Samuel,  who  dying  in  1691,  bequeathed  it  to  his  two  sons 
Benjamin  and  Nathaniel,  both  of  whom  were  landholders  in  Glastenbury,  at 
the  time  of  its  incorporation  as  a  Town.  Benjamin's  share  was  on  the  north 
side  of  the  lot  and  one  rod  wider  than  Nathaniel's.  From  these  two,  most  if 
not  all  of  the  Talcotts  of  Glastenbury,  have  descended.  The  land  still  re- 
mains in  the  family.* 

Mr.  John  Talcott  came  over  from  England,  about  the  year  1632,  and  set- 
tled in  Newtown,  Mass.,  (now  Cambridge.)  In  1636,  he  removed  to  Hart- 
ford, and  was  a  member  of  the  General  Court,  and  one  of  the  Magistrates  of 
the  colony,  until  his  death.  He  was  the  son  of  John  Talcott  of  Braintree, 
England.  His  mother's  name  was  Skinner.  He  married  Dorothy,  daughter 
of  Benjamin  Smith.     His  children  were  : — 

Mary,  m.  Rev.  John  Russell,  June  28, 1649. 

John,  m.  (1)  Helena  AVakeman,  1650,  and  (2)  Mary  Cook,  1676. 

Samuel,  b.  1635,  m.  Hannah  Holyoke,  1661,  d.  1691. 

(2)  John  Talcott,  m.  (1)  Helena  Wakeman  of  New  Haven,  and  had  by 
her — 

John,  b.  Nov.    24, 1651. 

John,  b.  Dec.    14, 1653, d.  July  30,  1683. 

Elizabeth,  b.  Feb.    21,  1655,  m.  Joseph  Wadsworth,  Hartford. 

Samuel,  b.  Aug.  21, 1658, d.  April  4,  1681. 

Mary,  b.  April  26,  1661,  m.  Richard  Edwards,  Hartford. 

Hannah,  b.  Dec.      8,  1663,  m.  Nathaniel  Gould. 

Dorothy,  b.  Feb.    20, 1666,  m. Stoughton,  Windsor. 

Joseph,  b.  Nov.  16, 1669,  m.  Abigail  Clarke,  Milford.     This  man  was  Gov.  Conn. 

Helena,  b.  June  17, 1674,  m. Nicholas,  Hartford. 

Helena,  the  wife,  dying  June  22,  1674,  ]Mr.  T.  m.  (2)  Mary  Cook,  Nov. 
9,  1676,  and  had  by  her — 


•W.  R.  I.  C7,  133.  II.  22S.     S.  V.  T.  G4,  lOS. 


Samuel, 

b. 

John, 

Hannah, 

b. 

Elizur, 

b.  July 

Joseph, 

b.  Feb. 

169 

Ruth,  b.  Sept.  12, 1677,  ni. Reed,  an  eminent  Lawyer  at  Boston. 

Sarah,  b.  Nov.    16,  1679, ,  U.  Dec.  6, 1679. 

Rachel,  b.  Feb.    23,  1681,  m. Ruckley,  Fairfield. 

Jonathan,  b.  168.3, . 

Ilezekiah,  b.  Feb.   24, 1685,  in. Par.son.s,  Durham. 

(2)  The  fbildrcn  of  Samuol  Talcott  and  Hannah  Holyoke,  were — 

1663,  m.  Mary ,  d.  1698. 

died  young. 
1665,  m.  John  Chester,  1686,  d.  1741. 

31,  1669,  m.  Sarah . 

20,  1671,  m.  Sarah  Deming,  1701,  d.  1732. 
♦BENJAMIN  TALCOTT,   b.  March   1,  1674,  m.  Sarah  IloUister,  1699,  d.  1727. 
Rachel,                                b.  April     2, 1676,  m.  Peter  Bulkley,  1700. 
♦NATHANIEL  TALCOTT,b.  Jan.     28,  1678,  m.  Elizabeth ,  1703,  d.  1758. 

(3)  The  children  of  Deacon  Benjamin  Talcott  and  Sarah  Ilollister,  were, 

Sarah,  b.  Oct.  30, 1699,  m.  Jonathan  Hale,  1717,  d.  1743. 

Benjamin,  b.  June  27,  1702,  m. 

John,  b.  Dec.  17,  1704,  m.  Lucy  Sawyer,  1733,  d.  1745. 

Hannah,  b.  Oct.  16,  1706,  m.  Benjamin  Hale,  1729,  d.  1796. 

Samuel,  b.  Feb.  12,  1708,  m.  Hannah  Moseley,  1732,  d.  1768. 

*Elizur,  b.  Dec.  31,  1709,  m.  Ruth  Wright,  1730,  d.  1797. 

Mehitabel,  b.  July  17,  1713,  m.  Hezekiah  Wright,  1733,  d.  1781. 

Abigail,  b.  Oct.  10, 1715,  m.  Thomas  Hollister,  Jr.,  d.  1715. 
Deacon  Benjamin  d.  Nov.  27, 1727. 

(3)  The  children  of  Nathaniel  and  Elizabeth  Talcott,  were, 

EUzabeth,  b.  Oct.  19, 1704. 
Rachel,  b.  Oct.  6, 1706. 
Mary,  b.  Jan.  19, 1709. 
Joshua,      b.  June  15, 1711. 

The  early  history  of  this  family  has  been  carefully  investigated  by  mem- 
bers of  it  now  living ;  and  especially  by  Sebastian  Vischer  Talcott, 
Esq.,  of  Albany,  to  whose  kindness  we  are  indebted  for  the  use  of  his  Family 
Register,  and  which  has  been  of  great  service  to  us,  in  this  and  some  other 
families. 

Samuel  Talcott,  son  of  John  Talcott,  was  graduated  at  Harvard  College, 
1658.  George  Talcott,  b.  1786,  grandson  of  Benjamin  Talcott,  has  been  in 
the  service  of  the  United  States,  since  1812.  He  was  brevetted  Brigadier 
General,  in  1847. 

The  house  standing  on  this  form,  until  taken  down  in  1850,  was  the  oldest 
house  in  Town.  It  was  the  first  house  raised  in  Town,  after  its  incorporation. 
The  second  was  that  of  Rev.  ]\Ir.  Stevens ;  the  third  a  house  at  Nayaug ;  the 
fourth  was  a  house  built  by  Gideon  Hollister,  at  Wassuc,  which  is  still  stand- 
ing, and  is  in  the  possession  and  occupation  of  Mr.  Alonzo  Hollister.  The 
frame  has  neither  tenon  nor  mortice,  but  is  half-lapped  throughout.  It  is 
nearly  one  hundred  and  fifty  years  old. 

12.  Samuel  Smith's  lot  was  22.J  rods  wide  containing  135  acres.  It  was 
conveyed  to  WiUiam  Wickham  in  1660,  in  whose  possession  it  was  at  the 


170 

time  of  the  general  survey  in  1684.  Mr.  Smith  removed  to  Hadley.  The 
descendants  of  Wm.  Wickham  are  still  among  the  present  inhabitants  of  the 
Town.* 

The  account  of  the  Wickham  family  is  deficient  in  the  Wethersfield  Rec- 
ords. The  families  recorded  there  before  1690,  are  those  of  Thomas,  and 
Thomas,  Jr.,  but  do  not  give  the  family  of  William,  the  first  land  holder  in 
Glastenbury.  The  property  seems  to  have  descended  to  WILLIAM  WICK- 
HAM, Jr.,  who  lived  in  Glastenbury  at  the  time  of  its  incorporation,  and 
who  distributed  it  to  his  children.     The  following  were  of  the  number. 

Elizabeth,  m.  Thomas  Morley,  Nov.  9,  1708,  and  had  four  sons  and  two 
daughters.     Her  father  gave  her  land  in  1 730. 

Jonathan,  to  whom  land  was  given  in  1714.  He  gave  land  to  his  son 
Hezekiah,  in  1749.  H.  W.  was  Society  Clerk,  and  Deacon  in  Eastbury  for 
many  years. 

John,  m.  Susannah  Pellett  of  Concord,  Feb.  20,  1716,  and  had  two  daugh- 
ters.    He  had  land  given  to  him  in  1717. 

William,  Jr.,  m.  Abigail  Pellett,  March  21,  1718.  He  had  land  given 
him  in  1730.     No  children  are  recorded  to  him  in  Glastenbury. 

Susannah  Wickham,  who  married  Ebenezer  Mosely,  in  1726,  seems  to 
have  belonged  to  another  branch  of  the  family.  She  was  probably  from 
Wethersfield. 

13.  Thomas  Uffoot.  This  lot  19|  rods  wide  containing  117  acres,  was 
recorded  to  Thomas  Uffoot  in  1641,  and  by  him  sold  to  William  Goodrich,  in 
1646.  It  was  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  Goodrich  at  the  time  of  the  survey  in 
1684.t 

The  Goodrich  family  Is  supposed  to  have  come  from  Wales.  The  first 
settler,  William,  married  Sarah  Marvin,  1648,  and  had — 

SaraJi,  ,  b.        "  m.  John  Hollister,  1667. 

John,  b.  1653,  m.  Rebecca  Smith,  1678,  d.  1684. 

William,  b.  1660,  m.  Grace ,  1680,  d.  1737. 

EUzabeth,  b.  1658,  m.  Robert  Welles,  1675,  d.  1698. 

EPHRAIM  GOODRICH,  b.  1663,  m.  Sarah  Treat,  1684,  d.  1717. 

David,  b.  1666,  m.  Hannah  Wright,  1688,  d.  1755. 
Daughter,  name  unknown,  m.  Joseph  Butler. 

Mr.  John  Goodrich,  probably  a  brother  of  William,  came  to  this  country 
about  the  same  time.  His  wife's  name  was  Elizabeth,  and  they  had  chil- 
dren— 

John,  b.  1647,  m.  Mary  Edwards,  d.  1676. 
Joseph,  d.  1681. 

Jonathan,  b.  1665,  m.  Abagail  Crafts,  1691. 

Elizabeth,  b.  1645,  m.  Daniel  Rose. 

Mary,  b.  1650,  m.  Thomas  Reed. 
Hannah,  m.  Zacharias  Mainard. 


*W.  R.  I.  125,11.  69. 
tW.  R.  I.  52,  125. 


171 

(2)  John  Goodrich,  son  of  William  and  Sarah  Marvin,  m.  1G78,  had — 

Sarah,  b.  April  10,  1697,  m.  Abraham  Kilborn,  Oct.  2G,  1097  or  9. 

Rebecca,  b.  Nov.  11,  1680,  m.  David  Wright,  Dec.  28,  1699,  d.  1703. 

Mary,  b.  Sept.    2,  1682. 

Samuel,  b.  Jlay  24,  1684, ,  d.  May  7,  1706. 

Abigail,  b.  Ajjril  27,  1686,  m.  David  Curtis,  April  25,  1706. 

John,  b.  June    9,  1088,  m.  Mary  Tillots-on,  Juno  5,  1712. 

Allyn,  b.  Nov.  13,  1690,  m.  Elizabeth  Goodrich,  Dec.  29, 1709. 

Ann,  b.  Sept.    1,  1692. 

(3)  William  Goodrich,  Jr.,  m.  Grace ,  Nov.  22,  1G80,  liad, 

William,    b.  Aug.    3,  1681, ,  d.  Nov.  6,  1681. 

William,    b.  July     2,  1086,  m.  Margaritta  Orvi.s,  May  14,  1716,  d.  1748. 
Benjamin, b.  Sept.  29,  1688,  m.  Grace  Kilborn,  March  7,  1710,  d.  1742 
Joseph,      b.  Feb.   29,  1090,  m.  Mehitablc  Goodwin,  Feb.  23,  1715,  d.  1768. 
Isaac,         b.  Aug.  18,  1093,  m.  Mary  Butler,  Nov.  19, 1718,  d.  1737. 

Anne,  b.  Feb.   29,  1697,  m. Powel. 

Ephraim,   b.  Sept.  12, 1699,  m.  Susanna  Uooker,  Oct.  6,  1720,  d.  1726. 
Ethan,        b.  June    8,  1702. 

"John  and  William  Goodrich,  two  orphans,  came  from  South  Wales  with 
their  mother's  brother,  William  Stillman,  about  1644.  From  these  two 
sprung  all  of  the  name  in  America."  They  first  settled  in  New  Haven 
Colony,  but  subsequently  removed  to  Wethersfield,  John,  about  1644,  .and 
William  in  1666.  Most  of  the  persons  bearing  the  name  of  Goodrich 
at  the  time  of  the  Town's  incorporation,  were  the  sons  of  William  Goodrich, 
and  in  the  next  generation  the  sons  of  Ephraim  Goodrich,  who  married  Sarah 
Treat  the  daughter  of  llichard  Treat,  in  1684. 

Their  children  were — 

Eichard,  b.  Feb.  27, 1685,  m.  Hannah  Buckley,  1709. 
WiUiam,  b.  1701,  m.  Rachel  Savage,  1728,  d.  1787. 

David,      b.  1706,  m.  Sarah  Edwards,  1729,  d.  1779. 

Ephraim,  m.  Haunah,  d.  1771. 

Thomas. 

By  a  second  wife,  (his  first  having  died  in  1712,)  Jerusha,  daughter  of 
James  Treat,  and  widow  of  Thomas  AVelles,  he  had — 

OUver,    b.  Sept.  14, 1714. 

Gideon,  b. m.  Sarah,  d.  1769. 

Gurdon,  b.  Dec.   29,  1717. 

Sarah,     b.  m.  Richard  Butler. 

Of  these  last,  Richard,  William,  David,  Ephraim  and  Thomas,  were  land 
holders  in  Glastenbury,  soon  after  arriving  at  the  age  of  21  years,  as  also 
Oliver  and  Gideon  at  a  later  period,  though  these  last  seem  never  to  have 
resided  here. 

14.  George  Hubbard.  This  lot  32-^  rods  wide,  containing  195  acres, 
was  set  out  to  George  Hubbard.  The  lot  next  south  of  it  30  rods  in  width, 
containing  180  acres  originally  set  out  to  George  Wyllis,  became  the  prop- 
erty of  John  or  Jonathan,  the  son  of  George  Hubbard,  previous  to  the  surj 


172 

veyof  1684,  -when  the  two  lots  measured  60  rods,  instead  of  62J.  The  road 
leading  east  from  the  Town  house,  is  on  the  south  line  of  the  Wyllis  lot. 
Some  portion  of  the  farm  of  George  Hubbard,  has  been  in  the  Hubbard 
family  from  that  time  to  the  present.* 

George  Hubbard  and  his  wife  Mary,  came  from  England  about  1635  or  6, 
and  settled  at  "Wethersfield.  He  removed  to  Milford,  and  was  admitted  to 
the  Church  there,  January  15,  1644.  In  1648,  he  removed  to  Guilford,  and 
was  admitted  to  the  Church  there,  Oct.  6,  1650.     His  children  were — 

John,  supposed  to  be  the  eldest,  who  lived  at  Wethersfield  for  many  years, 
but  subsequently  went  to  Hadley. 

George,  who  removed  to  Greenwich. 

Daniel  of  Guilford,  baptized  at  Milford,  1644.  He  is  the  progenitor  of 
the  Guilford  Hubbards,  and  the  7th  by  the  name  of  Daniel,  is  now  residing 
there. 

William,  who  is  supposed  to  have  removed  to  Greenwich. 

Mary,  who  married  Deacon  John  Fowler  of  Guiltbrd,  about  1648. 

Sarah,  who  married  a  Harrison. 

Abigail,  baptized  at  [Milford,  1644,  married  Humphrey  Spinning  of  New 
Jersey. 

Hannah,  baptized  1644,  who  married  a  Mayless. 

Elizabeth,  who  married  John  Norton,  late  in  life. 

The  children  of  John  Hubbard  of  Wethersfield  and  Hadley,  were — 

Maria,        h.  Jan.  1650. 

John,  b.  April  12,  1655. 
Hannah,  h.  Dec.  5,  1656. 
Jonathan,  b.  Jan.     3, 1658. 

This  last  name  is  recorded  at  Wethersfield.  In  1684,  the  surveyors  of  the 
Naubuc  lots  assign  the  Hubbard  lot  to  Jonathan  Hubert,  evidently  an  error 
for  Hubbart,  a  corruption  of  Hubbard.  But  in  1690,  and  at  all  times  on- 
ward during  his  life,  the  lot  was  the  property  of  John  Hubbard,  who  gave 
half  of  the  "  Meeting  House  Green."     His  children  were, 

(4)  John,  the  3d  of  the  name,  who  m.  Mary,  dau.  of  Eleazer  Kimberly, 
June  17,1 708,  and  had  one  son  and  two  daughters.  The  son,  John  the  4th, 
m.  Martha  Hollister,  July,  1732,  and  had  seven  sons  and  two  daughters. 
John,  2d,  gave  land  to  John,  3d,  in  1719,  and  John,  3d,  to  John,  4th,  in  1736. 

*David,  to  whom  his  father  gave  land  in  G.,  in  1723,  and  he  to  his  son 
Da\'id,  in  1760.  Also  to  his  son  Hezekiah,  in  1752,  who  m.  Hannah  Olcott, 
Dec.  10,  1752,  and  had  four  sons  and  three  daughters. 

Ephraim,  to  whom  his  father  gave  land  in  G.,  in  1724,  and  he  to  his  son 
Eph.,  inl756.  Also  to  other  sons,  Jonathan  and  Eleazar,  the  same  year. 
He  had  also  a  daughter  Mary,  who  m.  John,  son  of  Tho.  Kimberly,  Oct.  24, 
1741. 


•W.  R.  I.  63,  145. 


173 

Isaac,  to  whom  his  father  gave  land  in  G.,  1725,  and  he  to  his  son  Isaac, 
1736. 

Sarah, who  married  Abraham  IloUistcr,  and  to  whom  her  father  gave 

land  in  1752. 

Ephraim  Hubbard,  above  mentioned  married,  and  had — 

(5)  Jonathan,  m.  Sarah  Forbes,  Nov.  15,  1 753.  He  d.  Jan.  6, 1 78G.  She 
d.  Nov.  23,  1781.     They  had  among  others— 

(6)  David,  b.  Sept.  2,  1758,  m.  Jemima  Chamberlain,  June  12,  1783. 
They  had— 

(7)  David,  b.  Nov.  25,  1785,  m.  Jerusha  Hollister,  June  2,  1824. 

The  genealogy  of  the  Hon.  David  E.  Hubbard,  is  (1)  David  E.,  (2)  EH- 
zur,  (3)  Ilezekiah,  (4)  David,  (5)  John,  (6)  John,  (7)  George. 

The  members  of  this  family  seem  generally  to  have  settled  their  own  es- 
tates in  their  life  time,  so  that  the  deficiency  of  the  Town  Records  can  not 
be  supplied  by  those  of  the  Court  of  Probate. 

15.  George  Wyllis.  This  lot  30  rods  in  width,  containing  180  acres, 
set  out  to  George  Wyllis,  was  sold  to  the  Hubbards  as  above  mentioned.  Of 
the  Wyllis  family  we  have  already  had  occasion  to  speak. 

16.  Egbert  Rose.  The  lot  set  out  to  this  man  52  rods  in  width,  contain- 
infif  312  acres,  became  the  property  of  Samuel  Smith  previously  to  the  sur- 
vey of  1684. 

When  it  was  proposed  to  make  Glastenbury  a  Town  by  itself,  John  Hub- 
bard and  Samuel  Smith,  "  Having  a  desire  to  promote  the  settlement  of  the 
public  worship  and  ordinances  of  God,  among  the  inhabitants  of  Wethers- 
field,  that  are  on  the  east  side  of  the  Great  River,  and  to  the  intent  that  the 
said  inhabitants  may  have  and  enjoy  a  convenient  piece  of  land  for  the  build- 
ing of  their  Meeting  House  upon,  and  to  be  improved  for  a  burying  place, 
and  also  for  any  good  and  necessary  uses  that  the  said  inhabitants  shall  think 
meet  to  dispose  of  the  same  unto  ;"  for  these  purposes,  Messrs.  Hubbard  and 
Smith  gave  10  acres  lying  in  one  body,  being  taken  half  from  the  land  of 
Mr.  Hubbard,  and  half  from  the  land  of  IMr.  Smith,  to  be  bounded  west  by 
the  highway  or  "  country  road"  north  by  Mr.  Hubbard,  south  by  ]\Ir.  Smith, 
and  east  by  both,  being  20  rods  in  width,  from  north  to  south,  and  80  rods  in 
length  from  east  to  west.  It  was  also  stipulated  that  there  should  be  a  public 
highway  four  rods  in  width,  passing  through  the  centre  of  the  same,  Messrs. 
Smith  and  Hubbard,  continuing  the  highway  to  the  end  of  the  three  mile 
lots.  The  location  of  the  first  Meeting  House  is  not  mentioned  in  the  Rec- 
ords, but  is  said  by  tradition  to  have  been  on  the  Green ;  while  the  Green 
itself  is  sometimes  spoken  of  in  deeds,  as  the  "  Meeting  House  Green."  The 
second  Meeting  House  having  been  located  at  some  distance  from  the  land 
given  by  Messrs.  Smith  and  Hubbard,  their  descendants  re-enclosed  a  portion 
of  the  land  which  had  been  given  to  the  public.  Mr.  Hubbard  was  the  first 
to  do  this,  whereupon  the  Town  appointed  a  committee  to  remove  his  en- 


174 

croachment,  of  whom  Mr.  Smith  was  one.  Before  the  next  Town  meeting, 
however,  Mr.  Smith  had  also  enclosed  a  portion  of  the  public  land,  on  which 
account  he  was  excused  by  the  Town  from  further  action  on  the  committee 
aforesaid,  and  a  new  committee  appointed  to  proceed  against  both,  to  the  ex- 
tent of  the  law.  The  matter,  however,  was  subsequently  compromised  to 
the  satisfaction  of  all  parties.* 

17.  John  Gibbs.  This  lot  22  rods  wide,  containing  132  acres,  was  origi- 
nally set  out  to  John  Gibbs,  who  soon  after  sold  it  to  William  Miller,  in  which 
family  it  remained  for  several  generations,  the  last  of  whom  sold  what  remain- 
ed to  them  to  Mr.  Dudley  Watrous.f 

18.  Nathaniel  Foote.  This  lot  32  rods  in  width,  containing  192  acres, 
was  set  out  to  Nathaniel  Foote,  in  1640.  He  died  in  1644,  aged  about  51, 
leaving  a  large  family,  which  In  the  eighth  generation  has  become  exceed- 
ingly numerous,  and  is  widely  dltfused  throughout  the  country.  His  widow 
married  Thomas  Welles,  afterwards  Governor  of  the  Colony.  The  geneal- 
ogy of  this  family  has  been  carefully  written  by  Mr.  Nathaniel  Goodwin. 
Those  who  desire  Information  in  regard  to  this  family,  will  find  it  there  In  full. 

19.  Nathaniel  Dickinson.  This  lot  17  rods  wide,  containing  100 
acres,  was  set  out  to  Mr.  Dickinson,  and  sold  by  him  to  Mr.  Parke,  in  1647. 
In  1650,  both  Robert  the  father,  and  Thomas  the  son,  removed  to  New  Lon- 
don, selling  the  lot  to  John  Edwards,  who  sold  It  to  James  llichards  of  Hart- 
ford, previous  to  the  survey  of  1684.J 

20.  Abraham  Finch.  This  lot  10  rods  In  width,  containing  60  acres, 
was  set  out  to  Abraham  Finch.  It  was  subsequently  sold  to  Thomas  Ed- 
wards, and  by  him  to  James  llichards,  before  1684.  Mr.  Finch  was  killed 
by  the  Indians,  In  1637,  and  the  land  by  mistake  was  at  first  recorded  to  John 
Edwards,  who  married  the  widow  of  Mr.  FInch.§ 

21.  John  Plum.  This  lot  of  land  34  rods  In  width,  containing  204  acres, 
was  set  out  to  Mr.  Plum.  It  was  subsequently  sold,  and  after  passing  through 
various  hands  22  rods  in  width  on  the  north  side  became  the  property  of 
James  Richards.  The  other  1 2  rods  in  width,  passed  Into  the  hands  of  John 
Edwards. 

At  the  time  of  the  general  survey  In  1684,  James  Richards  was  In  posses- 
sion of  a  farm  93  rods  wide,  and  three  miles  long,  containing  558  acres. 
This  fai'm  was  composed  of  22  rods  in  width  of  John  Plum's  lot,  the  10  rods 


•W.  R.  I.  140.     G.  L.  R.  I.  1. 

t  W.  R.  I.  147. 

iw.  R.  I.  16,  II.  104.     Caulk.  N.  L.  67. 

§  W    R.  I.  104.     G.  L.  R.  II.  4. 


175 

of  the  Finch  lot,  the  17  rods  of  Mr.  Parke,  the  32  rods  of  Nathaniel  Foote, 
and  10  rods  in  width,  from  land  originally  reserved  for  a  highway,  the  road 
which  was  12  rods  wide  in  1040,  having  contracted  to  2  rods  in  1684.  Mr. 
Richards  bequeathed  this  property  to  his  daughter  Mary  Richards  in  1680, 
who  by  the  name  of  widow  Mary  Alford,  conveyed  the  same  to  Joseph 
Maudsley  of  Westfield,  ]\Iass.,  in  1718.  In  the  final  division  of  common 
lands  in  the  First  Society,  Abner  and  Isaac  Moseley,  (into  which  the  name 
had  been  changed,)  sons  of  Mr.  Joseph  Moseley,  were  regarded  as  represent- 
ing one  householder  at  the  incorporation  of  the  Town.  A  considerable  por- 
tion of  this  farm  remains  in  the  Moseley  family,  the  width  of  the  meadow 
being  still  93  rods.* 

The  earliest  setder  of  this  name  in  the  Colony,  came  from  Mass.  to  Wind- 
sor, where  he  married  Mary,  daughter  of  Benjamin  Newberry,  Dec.  14th, 
1664.  He  lived  in  Windsor,  until  about  1677,  when  he  removed  to  West- 
field.  He  subsequently  returned  to  Windsor,  where  he  died  in  1690. 
His  children  were — 

Benjamin,  b.  Oct.    13,  1666,  Rec'd  in  Windsor. 

Margaret,  b.  Feb.     4,  1669,      "      died  young. 

Joseph,  b.  Dec.    21,  1670,  "        " 

Mary,  b.  May     1, 1673,  "        " 

Consider,  b.  Nov.         1675,  "        " 

John,  b.  Aug.  21, 1678. 

Comfort,  b.  Dec.      3,  1680,  d.  1711. 

Margaret,  b.  May    22,  1683. 

Elizabeth,  b.  Not.   17,  1685. 

Hannah,  b.  d.  1708. 

Jo.s.eph  Moseley,  the  purchaser  of  the  Moseley  farm,  was  the  third  child  of 
Capt.  John  Moseley.  He  married  Abigail  Root,  in  1696.  He  resided  for  a 
time  in  AVestfield,  but  removed  to  Glastenbury,  in  1715,  where  he  died  in 
1719,  leaving  nine  children,  viz. — 

Abigail,  b.  1697,  m.  John  Lyman,  Northampton. 

Abner,    b.  1699,  m.  Elizabeth  Lyman,  of  Northampton,  1722. 

Sarah,     b.  1702. 

David,     b.  1704. 

Mary,      b.  1707,  m.  Benjamin  Lyman,  Northampton. 

Hannah,  b.  1709,  m.  Samuel  Talcott,  1732. 

Isaac,      b.  1712,  m.  Huth  Welles,  1738. 

Rachel,    b.  1715,  m.  Daniel  Pomeroy,  Northampton. 

Job. 

22.  John  Thompson.  This  lot  7  rods  in  width,  and  containing  42  acres, 
originally  set  out  to  John  Thompson,  was  sold  to  Thomas  Edwards,  some  time 
previous  to  16G7.f 

23.  John  Edwards.     This  lot  8.i  rods  wide,  containing  491  acres,  was 


*W.  R.  I.  S6.  II.  104.     G.  L.  R.  II.  135,  136. 
tW,  R.  I.  115.  II    111. 


176 

the  property  of  John  Edwards,  in  1641,  and  of  Thomas  Edwards,  in  1667. 
At  the  time  of  the  general  survey  in  1684,  John  Edwards,  as  the  name  stands 
in  the  survey,  though  it  is  probably  a  mistake  for  Thomas  Edwards,  was  pos- 
sessed of  27i  rods  in  width,  made  up  of  the  8h  set  out  to  John  Edwards,  the 
7  rods  set  out  to  John  Thompson,  and  12  rods  on  the  south  side  of  the  lot  set 
to  John  Plum.  John  Edwards  came  to  Wethersfield,  and  died  there  about 
1665.     His  wife's  name  was  Dorothy,  and  his  children  were — 

Thomas,  b.  1621,  m.  d.  July  27, 1683,  aged  62. 

John,       b.  Dec,  1633,  killed  in  the  Indian  war,  1675. 

Esther,     b.  Mar.,  1641. 

Ruth,       b.  Dec.   1643,  m.  Samuel  Hale,  1679. 

Hannah,  b.  Jan.,  1645. 

Joseph,     b.  May,  1648,  m.  Sarah,  1670,  d.  1681. 

Lydia,       b.  July. 

S.  V.  T.  has  the  birth  of  John,  1639,  Ruth,  1644,  and  Hannah,  1646,  but 
the  ages  as  given  in  the  Probate  Record,  Vol.  III.  seem  to  require  the  dates 
as  I  have  them. 

24.  Frances  Kilborn.  This  lot  originally  18  rods  wide,  containing  108 
acres,  was  set  to  Thomas  Kilborn,  but  he  dying  before  the  property  was  re- 
corded, it  was  entered  in  the  name  of  his  widow,  and  has  ever  since  remain- 
ed in  the  family.  The  present  occupant  is  Austin  Kilborn,  Esq.,  the  author 
of  various  tracts  on  agriculture,  to  whose  politeness  we  are  indebted  for  many 
interesting  particulars.     His  children  were — 

(2)  Margaret,  b.  1612,  m.  Richard  Law,  of  Stamford,  grandfather  of  Gov.  Jonathan  Law,  and 

the  ancestor  of  Judge  Richard  Law  of  New  London. 
Lydia,  b.  1613,  m.  Robert  Haywood,  (Howard,)  of  Windsor. 

Mary,  b.  1619,  m.  John  Root  of  Farmington. 

Prances,          b.  1623,  m.  Thomas  Uffoot,  or  as  some  read  the  name  Thomas  A.  Foote. 
John,  b.  1625,  m.  Naomi ,  1650,  d.  1705,  aged  80. 

The  first  wife  of  John  Kilborn,  dying  in  October,  1659,  he  married  Sarah 
,  who  died  in  1711.     Their  children  were — 


*JOHN  KILBORN,  JR.,  b.  1651,  m.  Susanna  ,  who  died  Oct.  3,  1711.    He  then  m. 

Elizabeth  Michel,  May  12, 1702.    He  d.  Nov.  25,  1711. 

Elizabeth  K.,  June  8,  1718. 
Thomas,  b.  1653,  m.  Miss  Hills,  daughter  of  AVm.  Hills,  d.  1712. 

Naomi,  b. ,  m.  Thomas  Hale,  Oct.  30,  1679. 

Ebenezer,  b.  1655,  m.  Grace  Bulkley,  daughter  of  Peter  B.,  1692,  d.  1711. 

Sarah,  b. ,  m.  Joseph  Crane. 

George,  b.  1668,  m.  Abigail,  daughter  of  Thomas  Atwood,  1689. 

Mary,  history  unknown. 

Joseph,  b.  1672,  m.  Dorothy,  daughter  of  Deac.  Sam"l  Butler,  1696,  d.  1709. 

♦Abraham,  b.  1675,  m.  Sarah,  daughter  of  John  Goodrich,  1699,  d.  1713.* 

25.  Thomas  Coleman.     This  lot,  which  was  15  rods  wide,  and  contain- 
ed 90  acres,  remained  in  the  Coleman  family  until  subsequent  to  the  survey 


*W.  R.  I.  135.     Kil.  Fam.  Mem. 


177 

of  1684.  In  1730,  it  was  the  property  of  Thomas  Welles,  when  it  was  found 
that  the  Colemans  had  enclosed  3  rods  in  width,  on  the  south  side  of  the  Kil- 
born  lot,  whereupon  INIr.  Welles  purchased  this  strip  of  Abraham  Kilborn, 
who  was  then  in  jiosscssion  of  the  j)remises.* 

26.  Jeffrey  Ferris.  This  lot,  7h  rods  wide,  containinjr  45  acres,  Avas 
set  out  to  Jeffrey  Ferris,  who  renio\ed  to  Stamford.  JNIr.  Ferris  sold  this  lot 
to  John  Dcming,  who  sold  it  to  Richard  Belden,  who  sold  it  to  John  Riley, 
who  owned  it  in  1646,  but  in  1G84,  it  was  the  property  of  Thomas  Welles.f 

27.  John  Wiiitmore.  This  lot,  9  rods  wide,  containing  54  acres,  was 
set  out  to  John  Whitmore,  who  removed  to  Stamford,  where  he  was  killed  by 
the  Indians.  He  sold  the  proporty  to  Richard  Treat,  in  1641,  who  sold  it  to 
Thomas  Coleman,  in  1647,  but"  in  1684,  it  was  the  property  of  Thomas 
Welles.t 

28.  Joiix  RoBBixs.  This  lot,  22  rods  wide,  containing  132  acres,  was 
set  out  to  John  Robbins,  in  whose  family  it  remained  until  16  77,  when  it 
came  into,  the  possession  of  Eleazer  Kimberly,  Esq.,  in  right  of  his  wife. 
Mr.  K.  was  the  first  male  child  born  in  New  Haven  Colony,  he  was  Secretary 
of  State,  from  1696  to  1709.  This  jiroperty  remained  in  the  Kimberly  fami- 
ly until  after  the  death  of  Thomas  ^iimberly,  Esq.,  the  great-grandson  of 
Eleazer  Kimberly,  Esq.,  who  was  killed  by  the  blowing  up  of  a  powder  mill 
in  1777.  It  was  then  sold  to  Jonathan  Brace,  Esq.,  who  disposed  of  it  to 
Zephaniah  Hollister  Smith,  Esq.,  in  whose  family  it  still  remains.§ 

*ELEAZAR  KIMBERLY,  son  of  Thomas  Kimberly,  and  Ruth  his  wife 
had — 

Thomas,    b.  Sept.  29, 1681,  m.  Ruth  Hale,  Feb.  24, 1704. 

Mary,         b.  Oct.    29, 16S3,  m.  John  Hubbard,  Jr.,  June  17, 1708. 

Ruth,         b. ,  d.  Nov.  4. 1711. 

Elizabeth,  b. . 

*Thomas  Kimberly,  son  of  Eleazer  K.,  m.  Ruth,  daughter  of  Samuel  Hale, 
Jr.,  as  above,  and  had — 

Eleazar,    b.  Nov.  10, 1704,  d.  Aug.  20,  1715. 

♦Thomas,  b.  Jan.   28,1706. 

*Samuel,  b.  Feb.     7,  1708. 

Ruth,        b.  Feb.   20,  1710,  m.  Jeremiah  Goodrich. 

Mary,        b.  June    8,  1712,  m.  Jeduthan  Smith. 

Elizabeth,  b.  June  30,  1715. 

Eleazar,     b.  Oct.   26,  1717,  d.  May  8,  1718. 

John,         b.  May     2,  1719,  m.  Mary  Hubbard,  Oct.  29,  1741. 

Sarah,        b.  Oct.  1721,  m.  Daniel  House. 

Anne,         b.  May  18, 1730. 

Thomas  Kimberly,  d.  Jan.  29. 1730. 

*W.  R.  I.  90.     G.  L.  R.  IV.  5. 
t  W.  R.  I.   105,  50. 
JW.  R.  I.  121,  54,  90. 
§W.  R.  I.  107.     M.  G.  B. 

12 


178 

29.  Thomas  Wright.  This  lot,  7  rods  in  -vvidtli,  containing  42  acres, 
remained  in  the  family  of  Thomas  Wright,  until  subsequent  to  the  general 
survey  of  1684.* 

The  chief  estate  of  Thomas  Wright,  was  on  the  west  side  of  the  river, 
and  in  the  Island  called  by  the  Indians,  Manhanxock,  or  g7-eat  laufjlung 
place,-\  a  place  of  celebrating  certain  joyous  games ;  but  known  as  WrigMs 
Island,  having  been  in  possession  of  that  family  for  upwards  of  two  centuries. 
When  the  valley  of  the  Connecticut  was  settled,  the  river  ran  on  both  sides 
of  the  Island.  As  late  as  1713,  land  on  the  Island  was  bounded  East  by  the 
river;  but  in  1726,  land  in  the  same  place  was  bounded  East  by  Glastenbury, 
whence  we  conclude,  that  when  once  the  eastern  channel  began  to  fill  up,  it 
did  so  rapidly.  In  1759,  the  bed  of  the  stream  was  equally  divided  between 
the  proprietors  on  the  two  sides.     It  was  fonnerly  much  larger  than  at  pres- 


*  W.  R.  I.  155. 

t  This  name,  which  has  been  communicated  to  us  since  the  delivery  of  the 
discourse,  confirms  an  etymology  whicli  we  there  proposed  with  some  doubt- 
fulness. The  name  Manhannock,  may  possibly  be  from  Munnannock,  the 
moon,  from  the  shape  of  the  island  at  some  period,  but  is  more  likely  to  have 
the  signification  given  in  the  text.  Besides  the  word  Mis,  which  also  becomes 
Missi,  MiSHAM,  and  MiNNi,Tlie  Indians  also  had  Maum,  which,  in  composition 
becomes  Maun,  Maus,  and  NAUN,  also  signifying  great  ;  as  Mauseek,  a  great 
basket.  R.  W.  93,  99,  100,  etc.  Ahauna,  to  laugh,  he  is  merry,  R.  W.  145,  and 
UCK,  place  of,  locality.     Hence,  Maun-haun-nuock,  j!?/ace  of  great  merry-making. 

Of  these  there  were  two  principal  kinds  ;  first,  Put-tuck-qua-quonck,  or 
arbor  playing.  *'  The  Arbor,  or  Playhouse,"  says  Roger  Williams,  "  is  made  of 
long  poles  set  in  the  earth,  four  square,  sixteen  or  twenty  feet  high,  on  which 
they  hang  great  store  of  their  stringed  money,  having  great  staking,  town 
against  town,  and  two  chosen  out  of  the  rest  by  course,  to  play  the  game  at 
this  kind  of  Dice,  in  the  midst  of  all  their  abettors,  with  great  shouting  and 
solemnity  :  beside,  they  have  great  meetings  of  football  playing,  early  in  Sum- 
mer, town  against  town,  upon  some  broad  sandy  shore,  free  from  stones,  or 
upon  some  soft  heathier  plot,  because  of  their  naked  feet,  at  which  they  have 
great  stakings,  but  seldom  quarrel."     P.  146. 

"  Their  chiefest  idol  of  all  sport  and  game,  is  (if  their  land  be  at  peace)  to- 
ward harvest,  when  they  set  up  Qun-ne-ka-muck,  which  signifies,  Long-house, 
sometimes  an  hundred,  sometimes  two  hundred  feet  long,  upon  a  plain  near  the 
Court,  (which  they  call  Kit-teic-kau-ick,)  where  many  thousands,  men  and 
women  meet,  where  he  that  goes  in  dances  in  sight  of  all  the  rest ;  and  is  pre- 
pared with  money,  coats,  small  breeches,  knives,  or  what  he  is  able  to  reach  to, 
and  gives  these  away  to  the  poor."     lb.  pp.  140,  147. 

Whoever  compares  the  situation  of  the  land  on  Manhannock,  with  that  on 
the  adjoining  shore  at  Pyquag,  will  perceive  that  there  is  no  place  in  this  region 
of  country,  so  well  adapted  to  these  Indian  games,  as  those  under  consideration. 
The  concurrence  of  this  fact,  with  the  significance  of  the  names,  proximity  of 
the  Sachem's  Court  in  Pyqi^ag,  renders  the  conclusion,  that  Piqu.\g  and  Man- 
hannock,  were  places  of  merry-making,  highly  probable. 


179 

ent,  extending  northward  to  the  "  great  Smith  drain."  Recently,  the  river 
has  been  making  some  amends  for  its  destruction  of  land  at  the  North  end, 
by  forming  new  land  at  the  South,  a  i)rocess  which  is  now  continually  going 
on.  "  The  Island"  belonged  to  Wethcrsfield,  until  17f)2,  when  it  was  annex- 
ed to  Glastenbury  by  a  Resolution  of  the  General  Assembh',  passed  in  May 
of  that  year. 

Thomas  Wright  is  supposed  to  have  come  from  England.  He  was 
here  before  1640,  as  he  then  owned  land  on  the  Island.  He  died  1G70.  He 
married  (1) ,  (2)  Wid.  of  John  Elson,  and  had — 

Samuel,  b. ,  m.  Mary,  dau.  Kich.  Butler,  Sept.  29,  1050,  d.  Feb.  13, 1690. 

Joseph,   b. ,  m.  (1)  Mary ,  1GG3,  (2)  Mercy  [Deming?]  1685,  d.  Dec.  17,  1714. 

Thouiiis,  b. ,  m.  Eliz.  dau.  Lt.  Chittenden,  June  16,  1G57,  d.  Aug.  32,  1683. 

James,     b. ,  m.  (1)  Mary,  (2)  Dorcas,  1660,  d.  1705. 

Lydia,     b. ,  m.  Joseph  Smith. 

Mary,       b. . 

(2)  James  AVright,  son  of  Thomas,  owned  and  occupied  "the  Island" 

though  he  resided  for  some  time  at  jMiddletown.     He  married  Mary , 

who  died  without  children  ;  and  Dorcas  by  whom  he  had — 

James,  b.  1661,  m.  Mary,  dau.  Daniel  Eose,  July  17, 1690,  d.  Dec.  24, 1748. 

Jonas,  b. ,  m.  Olive ,  d.  May  10,  1709. 

Thomas,  b. ,  m.  Elizabeth ,  d.  1749. 

DANIEL  WRIGHT,  b.  1674,  m.  Elanor  Benton,  Aug.  24, 1705,  d.  June  8, 1764. 

L3"dia,  b. ,  m. Crane  of  Wethersfield. 

Hannah,  b. ,  m.  John  Coleman,  April  24,  1685.  d.  Aug.  1, 1741. 

(3)  James,  son  of  James,  partly  by  deed  of  gift,  and  partly  bj'  purchase 
of  his  brothers  and  sister,  came  into  possession  of  nearly  all  the  Island.  He 
built  the  first  house  erected  on  the  Island,  about  1710,  and  lived  in  it.  He 
entailed  the  Island  upon  the  family  of  his  son  James.  He  married  Mary, 
daughter  of  Daniel  Rose,  July  17,  1G90,  d.  Dec.  24,  1748,  aged  88.  His 
wiie  d.  Oct.  20,  1749,  aged  80.     Their  children  were — 

Mary,  b.  Nov.  14, 1691,  d.  Sept.,  1703. 

Elizabeth,  b.  Sept.  1,  1693. 

James,        b.  March  21,  1695,  m.  Lois  Loomis,  Bolton. 

Daniel,        b.  Dec.  5, 1696,  m.  Eunice  Loomis,  Bolton,  1726. 

Jacob,         b.  Feb.  12,  1699. 

Hannah,     b.  June  29,  1700. 

Hezekiah,   b.  Dec.  10,  1701,  m.  Mehitabel  Talcott,  1733. 

Abigail,       b.  Sept.  20,  1704. 

Rachel,       b.  Jan.  21,  1707. 

Mary,  b.  Sept.  30,  1708. 

Jeremiah,    b.  Oct.        4,  1710. 

Sarah,  b.  Dec.  13, 1713. 

(4)  Hezekiah  Wright  above  mentioned,  had  (.5)  Isaac,  who  had  (G)  David ^ 
Isaac,  and  Jared.  Isaac  settled  in  Hartford,  and  had  (7)  George  T.  and 
Henry  I.  Wright,  to  the  last  of  whom  we  are  indebted  for  some  interesting 
matter.  Hezekiah  Wright  had  also  (5)  Samuel,  who  had  (6)  Samuel  and 
Leonard,  the  last  of  which  had  (7)  Eli,  Griswold,  and  Charles. 


180 

(4)  James  Wright  the  3d,  married  as  above,  d.  1773,  aged  79.  His  wife 
d.  1789,  aged  73.     Their  children  were — 

James,       b. ,  m.  Lucy  Uale,  Feb.  6, 1783,  d.  Feb.  1794. 

Jcseph,       b. 
Mai-y,         b. 

Loi.«,  b. ,  m.  Elizur  Ilubbard,  and  had,  Leonard,  David  E.,  Joseph  and  Flavel. 

Elizabeth,  b. 

(5)  James  Wright  the  4th,  married  Lucy  Hale,  as  above  mentioned, 
and  had — 

James,    b.  Nov.  27, 1783,  d.  Feb.  27, 1794. 

Joseph,   b.  Sept.    2, 178.5,  m.  Sarah  Lockwood,  Nov.  24, 1808. 

Lucy,      b.  Dec.      3, 1787. 

Wm.  W.  b.  May  30,  1792,  d.  1836. 

Mary,      b.  Oct.   29, 1795. 

The  children  of  Joseph  Wright  last  mentioned,  are  James  L.,  (grad.  Y. 
1832,  m.  Mary  North,  (wid.)  May  30,  1838,)  Cornelia  H.,  Wm.  S.,(grad.  Y. 
1839,)  Harriet  N.,  Joseph  A.  and  Henry  M.  Pretty  full  materials  have 
been  gathered  for  an  account  of  this  family,  which  has  always  been  a  promi- 
nent one,  and  from  which  we  have  derived  much  of  what  is  given  above. 

30.  Robert  Cooe.  This  lot  13  rods  wide,  and  containing  78  acres,  set 
to  Robert  Cooe,  in  1G41,  stands  in  his  name  in  the  survey  of  1684.* 

31.  James  Boosie.  This  lot,  14  rods  wide,  and  containing  84  acres, 
stands  in  his  name  in  the  Wethersfield  records  of  1641,  and  also  in  the  gen- 
eral survey  of  1684.  We  know,  however,  that  the  lot  was  sold  to  Leonard 
Chester,  Oct.  28th,  1643. 

32.  Leonard  Chester.  This  lot,  72  rods  wide,  containing  432  acres, 
remained  in  the  family  until  after  the  general  survey  of  1684,  which  with  the 
84  acres,  bought  of  James  Boosie,  made  a  farm  of  516  acres.  In  1745,  Mary 
Chester  sold  to  James  Mitchel,  300  acres  on  the  south  side  of  the  lot  bound- 
ing him  north  by  Thomas  Welles,  and  south  by  Samuel  Hale.f 

Leonard  Chester  "  Armiger,"  came  to  this  country  before  1635.  He  mar- 
ried Mary ,  and  had,  John  born  at  Watertown,  Aug.  3,  1635,  and  died 

Feb.  23,  1688.  He  married  Sarah,  daughter  of  Governor  Welles,  and  had 
John,  b.  June  10,  1656.  The  first  wife  of  the  Rev.  Timothy  Stevens,  was 
daughter  of  this  man. 

33.  Clement  Chaplin.  This  lot  was  originally  200  rods  wide,  contain- 
ing 1200  acres.  It  remained  the  property  of  Mr.  Chaplin's  descendants  un- 
itll  1701,  and  was  then  owned  by  Josiah  Wolcott,  of  Salem,  Mass.,  unto  whom 


*W.  R.  I.    110. 

tW.  R.  I.  120.     O.  L.  R.  IV.  4. 


181 

it  had  descended.  The  farm  being  for  sale,  Mr.  Samuel  Ilalc  was  desirous  of 
purchasing  it.  Not  being  ■willing  to  undertake  so  gi'eat  an  enterprise  without 
the  advice  and  concurrence  of  his  minister,  he  proceeded  to  consult  Mr. 
Stevens  in  reference  to  the  proposed  purchase.  Mr.  Stevens  deeming  it  an 
excellent  bargain  on  the  terms  offered,  advised  the  purchase,  only  insisting 
that  he  should  be  permitted  to  come  in  with  JNIr.  Hale  and  take  one-third  of 
it.  The  lot  was  purchased  ;  Mr.  Samuel  Hale  had  800  acres  on  the  north 
side,  and  Mr.  Stevens  400  acres  on  the  south  side ;  Mr.  Hale's  north  line 
crossing  the  public  readjust  north  of  Mr.  Osmer  Hale's  house,  and  Mr.  Ste- 
vens' south  line  i)assing  nearly  in  the  line  of  the  highway  leading  east  from 
]Mr.  Samuel  Taylor's. 

Mr.  Samuel  Hale  bequeathed  this  lot  of  land  to  his  son  Samuel,  together 
with  another  lot  lying  further  south,  and  known  as  one  of  the  fourscore  acre 
lots.  To  his  son  Jonathan  he  gave  the  place  on  which  he  lived,  and  of  which 
we  have  already  spoken,  together  with  his  wife's  portion  received  from  the 
estate  of  her  father,  Capt.  Samuel  "Welles.  To  his  son  David  he  gave  a  farm 
lying  between  the  farms  of  Thomas  Hale  and  Benjamin  Talcott.  To  his  son 
Benjamin,  he  gave  all  that  lot  of  land  which  he  bought  of  the  Hon.  Gershom 
Bulkley,  and  tc  each  of  them  lands  in  Wethersfield.  He  also  gave  to  his 
daughter  Mary  Hale,  £15  "country  pay"  and  £5  "  lawful  money ;"  and  also 
his  daughter  Ruth  Kimberly,  wife  of  Thomas  Kimberly,  Esq.,  the  same  sum 
of  £15  "country  pay"  and  £5  "lawful  money,"  also  to  her  son  Eleazer, 
"  one  good  cow,"  and  to  Thomas  and  Samuel,  also  her  sons,  "  two  good  steers 
or  heifers  of  two  years  old,"  one  to  each  of  them. 

The  lot  given  to  Samuel  Hale  or  a  portion  of  it,  has  remained  in  the  family 
to  the  present  day,  and  so  has  the  lot  given  to  Benjamin,  and  is  still  bounded 
south  by  Mr.  Hollister,  as  it  was  at  the  time  when  the  Avill  of  Mr.  Samuel 
Hale  was  made,  1709. 

34.  Matthew  Mitchel.  This  lot,  originally  150  rods  wide,  containing 
900  acres,  was  set  out  to  Matthew  Mitchel,  who  removed  to  Stamford,  at  an 
early  period.  To  whom  he  sold  the  land  is  not  certain,  but  in  1050,  it  was 
the  property  of  the  second  Nathaniel  Foote,  and  subsequently  of  Robert 
Rose,  in  whose  name  it  stands  in  the  general  survey  of  1684.  The  property, 
however,  had  long  before  ceased  to  belong  to  Mr.  Rose.  One-fourth  of  this 
900  acres  lying  upon  the  north  side,  belonged  to  Ebenezer  and  Daniel  Graves 
of  Springfield,  and  Nathaniel  Graves  of  Hatfield,  to  whom  it  had  descended 
by  inheritance,  and  who  conveyed  it  to  William  Miller,  in  1703,  the  property 
being  described  as  lying  at  Red  Hill.  The  next  quarter  south,  consisting  of 
225  acres,  was  the  property  of  John  Beetes  (Betts)  who  sold  it  to  Josiah 
"VVillard,  in  1662,  ,who  sold  it  to  Daniel  Rose,  by  whom  it  was  sold  to  Thomas 
Brattle,  1668,  who  disposed  of  it  to  the  Hon.  Gershom  Bulkley,  sometime 
pi'evious  to  1684. 

It  was  the  settlement  of  the  south  line  of  the  lot  last  mentioned,  which  gave 
rise  to  the  memorable  suit  of  Bulkley  and  Hollister,  which  occui)ied  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  for  two  years,  and  by  the  direction  of  which  all  the  lots  from 


182 

East  Hartford  line  to  the  south  side  of  the  Matthew  Mitchel  lot  were  re-survey- 
ed by  Hon.  Eleazer  Kimberly  and  Mr.  Hugh  "Welles.  At  that  time  Mr. 
HoUister  was  in  possession  of  the  third  quarter  of  the  900  acres  set  to  Mat- 
thew JMitchell,  having  purchased  an  eighth  part  of  the  original  lot  which  had 
belonged  to  Samuel  Smith,  lying  next  to  Mr.  Bulkley's  land,  and  another 
eighth  of  Eleazer  Kimberly.  The  south  quarter  of  this  lot  was  sold  by  Rob- 
ert Rose  to  John  Latimer,  and  was  given  by  ]\Irs.  Ann  Latimer  to  James 
Rose,  who  sold  it  to  Hugh  Welles.  Mr.  Hollister  in  addition  to  the  land 
already  described,  was  in  possession  of  a  farm  lying  south  and  west  of  the 
Mitchel  lot.  In  the  laying  out  of  the  Naubuc  farms  the  language  had  been 
uniformly,  "  bounded  west  by  the  Great  River  running  three  miles  east  into 
the  wilderness,"  the  north  and  south  lines  being  intended  to  run  in  a  due  east 
course  from  the  river.  But  in  laying  out  the  Mitchel  lot,  the  record  describes 
the  south  line  in  the  following  language,  "  beginning  at  the  mouth  of  Stur- 
geon River  [Roaring  Brook,]  and  to  run  to  a  tree  near  the  cowpens  in  a 
straight  east  line  to  the  desert." 

The  ambiguity  of  the  language  just  c|uoted  gave  rise  to  a  misunderstand- 
ing between  Mr.  Hollister  and  the  landholders  north  of  him,  Mr.  HolHster 
insisting  that  the  south  line  of  the  Mitchel  lot  was  to  hold  a  due  east  course 
from  the  mouth  of  Sturgeon  River  to  the  desert,  the  others  insisting  that  it 
should  pass  up  Sturgeon  River  in  a  south-easterly  direction  until  the  lot  was 
150  rods  wide,  and  then  pass  due  east  by  the  cowpens  to  the  wilderness, 
thus  making  out  the  900  acres.  Unfortunately,  the  location  of  the  cowpens 
T/as  unknown,  and  the  committee  were  left  quite  in  the  dark  as  to  the  truth 
of  the  matter.  It  was  found  by  the  survey  of  1684,  that  the  distance  from 
Hartford  line  to  a  line  passing  due  east  from  the  mouth  of  Sturgeon  River, 
was  not  as  great  as  the  original  survey  rec]^uired  by  eighty-five  rods  and  a  half. 
To  this  Mr.  Hollister  rejoined  that  the  north  line  of  the  town  had  changed, 
that  the  mouth  of  Pewter  Pot  Brook,  from  which  that  line  started,  was  con- 
tinually changing ;  and  that  as  a  consequence  all  the  lots  had  been  pushed 
south  as  far  as  the  last  survey  fell  short  of  the  first,  and  consequently  that 
they  were  to  obtain  their  requisite  cjuantity  of  land  by  going  back  to  the 
original  survey,  carrying  all  the  lots  north  sufficiently  to  obtain  the  distance 
required.  The  Court,  however,  were  not  satisfied  of  the  truth  of  this  last 
claim  and  it  was  at  length  decreed  by  the  court  that  the  south  line  of  ]\Iitch- 
el's  lot  should  commence  at  the  mouth  of  Sturgeon  River,  running  as  the 
river  runs,  to  a  marked  tree  standing  near  where  the  cowpens  were  supposed 
to  have  been,  and  from  thence  in  a  due  east  line  to  the  wilderness,  thus  mak- 
ing out  the  900  acres. 

35.  It  appears  from  the  testimony  in  the  foregoing  case  that  Mr.  John 
Hollister  was  in  the  possession  of  a  farm  at  Nayaug,  lying  between  the 
Matthew  IMltchel  lot,  the  Treat  farm,  and  the  river,  to  which  he  added 
in  1G55,  10  acres,  purchased  of  the  executors  of  William  Gibbous  of  Hart- 
ford, it  being  land  set  out  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Denton,  in  1640.  On  this  farm  a 
dwelling-house  and  other  necessary  buildings  had  been  erected  previously  to 


183 

1651,  at  which  time  Joseph  Gilbert  became  the  tenant  of  ]\Ir.  HoUIster,  and 
remained  on  tlie  farm  until  1GG3.  Wltliln  this  jierlod,  other  dwelling-houses 
were  erected  at  Nayaug.  The  third  (juarter  of  tlie  MItchel  lot  which  INIr- 
Ilollister  owned  in  1G84,  is  now  In  the  IloUister  family,  together  with  a  con- 
siderable portion  of  the  other  farm  already  spoken  of 

(1)  John  Hollister,  the  first,  of  the  name  was  admitted  a  freeman  in  1643. 
Ills  wife's  name  was  Joan  (Treat,)  who  died  in  1694.  He  died  In  1665, 
leaving  the  following  children — 

John,  b.  1642,  m.  Sarah  Goodrich,  1667,  d.  1711. 

Stephen,  b. ,  m.  Abigail ,  d.  1709. 

Thomas,  b. ,  m.  Elizabeth  Latimer,  U.  1701. 

Joseph,  b. ,  died  unmarried,  1674. 

Lazarus,  b. ,  d.  1709. 

Mary,  b. . 

Sarah,  b. ,  m.  Rev.  Hope  Atherton,  Hatfield,  1074,  Timothy  Baker,  1678  or  9. 

Mr.  Hollister  made  his  will  Jan.  1st,  1665.  It  was  presented  In  Court 
April  3d,  of  the  same  year.  Mention  is  made  in  the  will  of  all  his  children 
except  Stephen,  and  legacies  given  to  them.  To  John  he  gave  the  whole  of 
his  farm  at  Nayaug. 

(2)  John  Hollister,  Jr.,  married  Sarah,  daughter  of  William  Goodrich,  Jr., 
in  1667,  and  had — 

JOHN  HOLLISTER,  b.  1669,  m.  Abiia ,  169.3,  d.  1741. 

THOMAS  HOLLISTER,  b.  1672,  m.  Dorotha ,  1696,  d.  1741. 

JOSEPH  HOLLISTER,  b.  1674,  m.  Ann ,  1694. 

Sarah,  b.  1676,  m.  Benjamin  Talcott,  1698,  d.  1715. 

Elizabeth,  b.  1678,  m.  Doct.  Joseph  Steele,  1715. 

DAVID  HOLLISTER,  b.  1681,  d.  1753. 

EPHKALM  HOLLISTER,  b.  1684,  m.  Ehzabeth  Greene,  1707. 

Charles,  b.  1086. 

(2)  Stephen  Hollister,  married  Abigail,  and  had — 

Jei-usha,  b.  1684,  d.  1710. 
Stephen,  b.  1686,  d.  1707. 
Abigail,    b.  1688. 
Ann,         b.  1690. 
Gershom,b.  1692. 
Gideon,     b.  1698. 

Abigail,  the  wife  of  Capt.  Stephen  Hollister,  dying,  he  married  Elizabeth 
,  and  had — 


Nathaniel,  b.  1701. 
Daniel,  b.  1704. 
Stephen,     b.  1709. 

Capt.  S.  Hollister  died  at  Greenbush,  near  Albany,  of  the  camp  distemper 
Oct.,  1709. 

(2)  Thomas  Hollister,  son  of  John  Hollister,  Sen.,  married  Elizabeth 
Lattimer,  and  had — 


184 

Thomas. 

John,  (1.  1711. 

Joseph. 

Sarah,  m.  John  Williams,  1695,  (1.  1702. 

Charles,  ni.  Prudence  Francis,  1729. 

Dorothy,  b. m.  Abraham  I'ox,  January  3,  1717. 

Gideon,    who  man-ied  a  Eoger  Sherman,  a  cousin,  signer  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence. 

(2)  Sarah*  Hollister,  m.  Rev.  Hope  Atlierton  of  Hatfield,  1C74,  by  wkom 
she  had  three  children.  He  died  about  1C78,  and  in  1679,  she  married  Lt. 
Timothy  Baker  of  the  same  place,  and  had — 

John,  b.  Feb.  3,  1680,  m.  Rebecca  Clark. 

Thomas,        h.  May  14,  1682,  m/  Christine  Le  Beau,  or  Otis. 

Edward,         b.  Nov.  12,1685. 

Prudence,     b.  May  14, 1687.  / 

Dehveranee,  b.  Not.  13,  1689,  d.  1710. 

The  descendants  of  this  family  are  numerous, — widely  scattered,  and  bear 
a  great  diversity  of  names.  Among  these  we  must  not  forget  to  mention  that 
of  Doct.  Avery  J.  Skilton  of  Troy,  a  descendant  of  Elizabeth,  daughter  of 
John  Hollister,  Jr.,  who  married  Doct.  Steele  of  Kensington,  and  had  Elijah 
Steele  of  Watertown,  who  had  €hloe,  who  married  James  Skilton,  who  had 
Doct.  Avery  J.  Skilton,  to  whose  politeness  we  are  indebted  for  many  facts  of 
interest.  A  large  number  of  this  family  have  been  educated  men,  and  filled 
the  learned  professions  with  honor  and  credit.  A  list  of  the  descendants  of 
early  settlers  who  have  been  educated  and  prominent  men,  and  which  we 
had  hoped  to  include  in  our  account,  is  excluded  by  its  voluminous  extent. 

Among  the  emigrants  in  this  family,  was  Gideon,  son  of  Thomas  who  re- 
moved to  Stratford,  married  as  above  stated,  and  had  Gideon  who  removed 
to  Woodbury,  and  had  a  son  of  the  same  name,  living  in  the  same  jjlace,  who 
had  Gideon  of  Washington,  who  had  Gideon  H.  and  David  F.  Hollister, 
both  graduates  of  Yale,  and  both  Lawyers. 

Horace  Hollister,  son  (1)  of  Joseph,  b.  Aug.  26,  1752,  (2)  of  Joseph,  b. 
Sept.  5,  1732,  (3)  of  Joseph,  b.  Dec.  28,  1796,  (4)  of  Joseph,  b.  1674,  and 

(5)  of  John ,  removed  to  Sharon,  1795,  and  Salisbury,  1805,  where  he 

died  in  1848,  in  the  96th  year  of  his  age.  Joseph  the  5th  of  the  name,  is  a 
Lawyer  in  Michigan,  and  his  son  Byron  is  also  a  Lawyer  in  the  same  State. 
Richard,  brother  of  Horace,  is  also  a  Lawyer,  but  has  relinquished  the 
practice,  and  is  resident  in  the  Sandwich  Islands.  Isaac  Treat,  8th  son 
in  the  same  family,  is  a  graduate  of  Pittsfield,  and  a  practitioner  of  Medi- 
cine in  [Michigan. 

36.  South  of  jSIr.  Hollister's  farm  was  a  large  tract  of  land  extending  to 
the  top  of  the  hill  south  of  Roaring  Brook,  nearly  or  quite  to  the  road  lead- 
ing east  from  Mr.  Edward  Goodrich's,  known  as  the  "  Tkeat  farm."  This 
farm,  the  exact  contents  of  which  we  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain,  was 


^Am.  Q.  R.  IX.  272,     Gen.  Reg.  V.  191. 


185 

i 

originally  set  out  to  INIr.  Treat,  and  by  liini  olven  to  liis  son  Ilicliard  Treat 
in  1668.  Some  portion  of  tills  larm  remained  in  the  family  until  the  present 
geueraliou. 

Matthias  and  James  Treat  were  admitted  freemen  In  Wethcrsfield,  1G57. 
In  IGaS,  James  Treat  was  enlisted  as  a  trooper,  and  in  1665,  llobert  Treat 
was  put  in  nomination  as  an  Assistant.  Beside  these  we  have  (1)  Riehard 
Treat,  who  died  in  1669,  leaving  a  family  of  children  and  grand-children. 
His  wife's  name  has  not  been  ascertained.  His  children,  as  appears  from  Lis 
will,  dated  1608,  were — 

(2)  Richard,  b. ,  m.  Sarah. 

llobert,  b. ,  went  to  Slilford. 

James,  b. ,  m.  llebecca. 

[■loaima,]  b. ,  m.  [John]  Ilollisiter. 

Dau.  b. ,  ni.  Matthew  Campfield. 

Dau.  b. ,  m. Johnson. 

Honour,  b. ,  m.  John  Doming. 

Dau.  b. ,  m.  Kobcrt  Webster. 

(3)  RICHARD  TREAT,  son  of  Richard  Treat,  >ii. Sarah,  and  had— 

Richard,  b.  1662,  m.  Cath.arine,  dau.  G.  Bulkley,  Aug.  20,  1704.  y 

Sarah,      b.  1664,  m.  Ephraim  Goodrich,  May  20,  1684,  d.  1712. 
Mary,       b.  1666,  m.  Thomas  Chester,  Dec.  10,  1684,  d.  1748. 
Thomas,  b.  1668,  m.  Dorothy,  dau.  G.  Bulkley,  July  5,  1693. 

(3)  James,  son  Richard  Treat,  m.  Rebecca ,  and  had — 

James,     b.  1666,  m.  Prudence ,  d.  1742. 

Jemima,   b.  1668,  m.  Stephen  Chester,  Jr.,  d.  1691. 

Samuel,     b.  1673, ,  d.  1733. 

Richard,   b. — '-, ,  d.  1713. 

Joseph,      b. ,  history  unkno^vn. 

Jerusha,    b.  1678,  m.  (1)  Tho.  AVeUes,  (2)  Eph.  Goodrich,  d.  1754. 
Rebecca,    b.  1685,  m.  Ebeuezer  Deming,  d.  1753. 

Mabel,        b. ,  history  unknown. 

Salmon,     b. ,  history  unknown. 

(3)  *THOMAS  TREAT,  son  of  Richard  Treat,  to  whom  his  father  gave 
his  land  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  and  who  is  known  in  the  records,  as 
"  Thomas  Treat  at  Nayaug,"  married  the  daughter  of  the  Rev.  and  Hon. 
"  Garsham  hackly"  (Bulkley,)  July  5, 1.693,  and  had — 

Richard,    b.  May  14,  1694. 

^Charles,   b.  Feb.  28,  1696,  m.  Sarah  Gardner,  1727. 
Thomas,     b.  May    3,  1699,  m.  Mary  Ilopson,  Colchester. 
Isaac,  b.  Aug.    5, 1701,  m.  Rebecca,  dau.  Ed.  Bulkley,  Dec.  10,  1730. 

Dorotheus,  b.  Aug.  25,  1704,  m.  Wid.  Hannah  Benton,  Dec.  18,  1754. 
^        Dorothy,'    b.  Aug.  25,  1704,  history  unknown. 

Sarah,         b  Jan.  21, 1707,  m.  Joseph,  son  Joseph  Tryon,  March  13,  1729. 
Mary,  b.  Jan.    9, 1710,  m.  Joseph,  son  Rev.  T.  Stephens,  Jan.  14, 1733. 

Lt.  Thomas  Treat  of  Nayavig,  one  of  the  petitioners  for  the  incorporation  of  Glastonbury,  d. 
Jan.  17, 1713. 

37.  (1)  Samuel  Hale,  Jr.  In  the  year  1660,  the  Town  of  Wethers- 
field  voted  to  Samuel  Hale,  Jr.,  SO  acres,  immediately  south  of  Mr.  Treat's 


186 

farm,  being  13|   rods  in  width,  and  three  miles  in  length.    It  has  since 
been  known  as  one  of  the  "  fourscore  acre  lots." 

38.  (2)  Richard  Smith,  Jk.,  had  a  similar  lot  adjoining  Mr.  Hale, 
granted  at  the  same  time. 

39.  (3)  John  Hollister  had  a  similar  fourscore  acre  lot,  adjoining 
Mr.  Smith,  which  he  purchased  of  Thomas  Hurlburt,  to  whom  it  was  origi- 
nally granted,  in  1660. 

40.  (4)  John  "VVaddams  had  a  similar  grant  made  to  him  10  74.  Mr. 
Waddams  became  a  resident  of  Glastenbury  soon  after  the  incorporation  of 
the  Town,  and  some  of  his  descendants,  though  not  bearing  his  name,  are  still 
resident  here. 

John  Waddams,  son  of  the  above,  m.  Charity  Dickinson,  and  had — 

John,      b.  April  25, 1726. 

Charity,  h.  Aug.    1,  1729,  m.  Chas.  Hollister,  Jr.,  Sept.  17,  1749. 

Enos,       b.  Dec.    18,  1731. 

Sarah,     b.  Nov.     9,  1734. 

Daniel,    b.  May    20, 1737. 

41.  (5)  Caleb  Bex.jamin,  who  received  a  similar  grant  in  16  74,  was 
never  a  resident  of  the  Town.     He  died  in  1684,  leaving, 

Mary,      b.  1671,  m.  Benjamin  Dibble. 
Abigail,  b.  1673,  m.  Ebeiiezer  Hills. 
Sarah,      b.  1676. 
John,       b.  1678. 
Samuel,  b.  1679. 
Martha,  b.  1681. 

Caleb,      b.  1683,  d.  1700,  before  which  time  John  and  Samuel  seem  to  have  died  also,  his  es- 
tate being  set  to  his  sisters. 

42.  (6)  Thomas  Edwards,  of  whom  we  have  already  spoken,  re- 
ceived a  similar  grant  at  the  same  time.  It  descended  to  his  grand-daughter, 
Mary  Hale,  by  whom  it  was  sold  to  Samuel  Ivimberley. 

43.  (7)  Richard  Treat  is  also  described  as  having  a  similar  lot  ad- 
joining that  of  ]\Ii'.  Edwards. 

44.  (8)  Thomas  Loveland.  The  last  of  the  fourscore  acre  lots  was 
granted  to  THOMAS  LOVELAND  in  1674,  and  when  recorded,  is  de- 
scribed as  being  "  bounded  south  by  undivided  land."  Thomas  Loveland 
had  two  sons — 

1.  John,  b. ,  m.  Kezia  "Williams,  June  16,  1708,  and  had — 

Kezia,  b.  Sept.  18,  1709. 

John,  b.  Dec.  21, 1710. 

Hannah,  b.  June  14,  1712. 

Thomas,  b.  April     2, 1714,  m.  Eunice  House.      His  son  Thomas  m.  Mary,  dau.  Joseph 

Mary,  b.  Dec.       2, 1715.  [White,  N(5v.  26, 1747. 

Abijah,  b.  May       2,  1718. 

Dorothy,  b.  Nor.  — ,  1719. 


187 


Susanna, 

b.  July     —,1722. 

Jonathan, 

b.  April   — ,  1724. 

David, 

b.  Feb.     — ,  1727. 

JIartha, 

b.  May     20,  1729. 

lUichel, 

b.  Au;4.    17,  1731. 

2.  Kobert,  b. ,  m.  E 

,  m.  Ruth  Gillam,  Aug.  19,  1G97,  and  had— 

John,  b.  May    23,  1698,  d.  Aug.  15,  1701. 

Ruth,  b.July   30,1702. 

Lot,  b.  May    13,  1703. 

Ilobert,  b.  Deo.      9, 1705,  m.  Dinah  Andrews,  May  2,  1728. 

Hannah,  b.  Dec.    27.  1707. 

3.  Hannah,  b. ,  m.  WiUiam  House,  Dec.  1,  1709,  and  had — 

Ilannali,  b.  July  19,  1711. 
William,  b.  Sept.  9,  1713. 
Benoni,    b.  Sept.  20,  1715. 

4.  Mary,  b. ,  m.  Thomas  Dickinson,  June  1,  1693,  and  had — 

Joseph,    b.  May  4, 1694. 

Thomas,  b.  April,  1698. 

Charity,  b.  April,  1699,  m.  John  AVaddam?,  about  1724. 

Joshua,    b.  March,  1701. 

Phebe,     b.  Nov.  1702. 

Mar}',       b.  Aug.  1704. 

David,      b.  Dec.  1705. 

Deborah,  b.  July,  1708. 

The  whole  tract  of  country  lying  between  these  "  fourscore  acre  lots," 
and  the  Town  of  Middletown  on  the  south,  remained  in  common  and  undivi- 
ded until  1743,  with  the  exception  of  150  acres,  set  out  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ste- 
vens, and  a  small  farm  given  to  Arthur  Bevin. 


APPENDIX   II. 

FAMILIES  RESIDING  IN  GLASTENBURY  WHEN  THE  FIRST 

MEETING  HOUSE  WAS  BUILT,  (1693 ;)  WITH  A  SHORT 

GENEALOGICAL  ACCOUNT  OF  THE  SAME. 


Benton  Edward.    See  Lot  No.  9,  Naubuc  Farms. 

BiDWELL,  Joseph,  was  the  son  of  John  Bidwell,  of  Hartford,  to  whom 
the  grant  for  a  saw  mill  in  Eastbury,  was  made  in  1G69.  He  married  Mary 
,  May  18,  1675,  and  had— 

Mary,  b.  March  12, 1676. 

Amey,         b.  Oct.        1, 1678. 

Joseph,       b.  Jan.     20,  1680. 

Benjamin,  b.  Sept.    26, 1684. 

Eijhraim,    b.  Aug.    16, 1686,  m.  Eliz.  Lewis,  Wallingforil,  Nov.  3,  1713. 

Lydia,  b.  May     13, 1689. 

Brewer,  Thomas,  came  from  Middletown.     He  married  Sarah 

of  Glastenbury,  January  13,  1682,  and  had — 


Mary,  b.  Jan.     28, 1685. 

Thomas,  b.  Feb.     17,  1687,  m.  Martha  Goodale,  (Mid.)  May  4,  1710. 

Hezekiah,  b.  Feb.     23, 1690,  m.  Eunice ,  1757. 

Sarah,  b.  Dec.       9,  1692,  m.  Ebenezer  Goodale,  (Mid.)  March  15, 1717. 

Joseph,  b.  March  20,  1695,  m.  Dinah  Smith,  May  29, 1727. 

Benjamin,  b.  Aug.    13,  1697. 

Daniel,'  b.  March  25,  1699,  m.  Elanor  Goodrich,  (Mid. )  1719. 

Lydia,  b.  July    27, 1701. 

"  Nome,"  b.  Sept.  28, 1703. 

•'Elexsander,"  b.  Oct.   5, 1706. 

Brooks,  Samuel,  received  a  grant  of  common  land  from  the  Town  of 
Glastenbury,  in  1G92.     He  married  Sarah ,  and  had — 

Sarah,  b.  Jan.        8,  1693. 

John,  b.  March    8, 1695. 

Samuel,  b.  May      27, 1697,  m.  Mary ,  and  had  ten  children. 

Mary,  b.  Feb.        6,  1699. 

Tunothy,  b.  Oct.      28, 1701. 

"Ledda,"  b.  May      23,1704. 


189 

Hannah,  b.  Sept.  29, 1706. 
Abigail,  b.  May  4, 1708. 
Elizabeth,    b.  Jan.     24, 1711. 

Colt,  Abraham,  received  a  grant  from  tlio  public  lands  of  Glaistcnbur}-, 
in  1G92.     He  married  Hannah  Loomis  of  Windsor,  Jan.  1, 1090,  and  bad — 

Abraham,  b.  May    21, 1692,  m.  Susannah  Risley,  Hartford,  Dec.  10,  1713. 
Mary,         b.  Jan.    17,  1696,  m.  William  Hale. 
Isaac,         b.  Sept.   15, 1702,  d.  June  17, 1703. 

Isaac,         b.  . 

Dau.  m.  Joseph  White. 

Fox,  Richard,  the  first  of  the  name  in  Glastenbury,  was  born  in  1G41, 
died  March  19,  1708,  aged  67.  He  married  Beriab,  daughter  of  Kichard 
Smith,  of  Wethersfield,  and  had — 

Mary,  b.  1677,  m.  Henry  Goslin,  Feb.  25, 1695. 

Sarah,  b.  1678,  m.  Ebenezer  Kilborn,  June  1, 1698. 

Richard,       b.  1679,  m.  (1)  Lydia,  dau.  Johu  Colt,  Windsor,  March.  1705,  (2)  Mary, 

dau.  Wm.  Smith  of  Wethersfield,  March  2,  1714. 
Eunice,         b.  1683,  m.  John  House,  May  8,  1703. 

Elizabeth,     b.  1685. 

John,  b.  1688,  m.  Susann.ah,  dau.  Henry  White,  Deerfield,  Dec.  15,  1709. 

Ebenezer,      b.  1690,  m.  Elizabeth,  dau.  Henry  Arnold,  Jan.  27, 1714,  d.  Feb.  20, 1746. 

Abraha^,^b.  1092,  m.  Dorothy,  dau.  Thomas  Hollister,  Jan.  3,  1717. 

Dorothy,       b.  1693,  m.  Samuel  Price,  April  7,  1714.  [1733. 

Joseph,  b.  Aug.  7,  1695,  m.  Esther,  dau.  Joseph  Sparks,  Hartford,  Dec.  6,  1717,  d.  May  2. 

Benoni  Fox,  Jr.,  who  married  Experience ,  1712,  and  had  eight 

children,  was  not  a  descendant  of  Richard  Fox.     Whether  he  belonged  to 
the  same  family,  we  have  not  ascertained. 

Gaikes,  Samuel,  has  no  record  of  his  family  in  Glastenbury,  but  his 
son  Samuel  Gaines,  Jr.,  m.  Thankful  Morley,  July  4,  1720,  and  had — 

Thankful,  b.  AprU  19,  1721.      • 
Samuel,     b.  Oct.    14,172-3. 

There  was  also  a  John  Gains,  who  married  Kaomi,  daughter  of  Thomas 
Hale,  and  whose  children  appear  to  have  been,  David,  iS^athaniel,  John,  and 
Eunice. 

Goodrich,  Epiiraim.     See  Ko.  13,  Nauhiic  Farms. 

Gosling,  Goslin,  Gosley,  Goslee,  Henry.  The  man  whose  name 
appears  in  the  Town  Records,  in  all  these  various  forms,  received  a  grant 
from  the  public  lands  of  Glastenbury,  in  1692.  It  is  not  known  from  whence 
he  came.  He  is  supposed  to  be  the  first  of  the  name  in  this  region,  unless 
the  name  "be  a  variation  of  Josling,  Joslin,  or  Jocelyn,  of  which  there  is  no 
proof,  and  yet,  which  circumstances  seem  to  render  somewhat  probable.  He 
married  Mary  Fox,  Feb.  25,  1695,  and  had — 

Mary,  b.  Oct.      1, 1695,  m.  James  Hubbard. 

Thomas,  b.  April  25, 1697,  d.  June  4, 1725. 


190 

Beriah,  (dau.)  b.  Oct.  8,  1698. 

Bethyah,  b.  Aug.  31,  1700,  m. Webb. 

William,  b.  Oct.  14,  1701,  died  young. 

"  Hennery,"  b.  Aug.  9, 1703,  d.  July  23, 1712. 

Elizabeth,  b.  Nov.  6, 1711. 

Henry,  b.  July  26,  1713,  m. ,  dau.  John  Neville,  d.  about  1745. 

Tmiothy,  b.  May  17, 1718,  m.  Rebecca,  dau.  David  Hollister,  Oct.  19,  1743. 

Henry  Goslee,  Sen.,  d.  April  19,  1724. 

Hale,  Benjamin.     See  No.  10,  Nauhuc  Farms. 

Hale,  John,  Jr.     Grandson  of  Samuel  Hale,   Senior,  married  Mary 
,  and  had — 


Mary,  b.  Nov.  10, 1697. 

John,  b.  March  10, 1700. 

Samuel,  b.  Feb.  27,  1701,  m.  Sarah,  dau.  Joseph  Smith,  Feb.  14, 1729. 

Anne,  b.  May  30,  1705. 

Benoni,  b.  Jan.  23,  1706. 

Abigail,  b,  Dec.  20,  1708. 

Thankful,  b.  Feb.  26, 1710. 

Hannah,  b.  Oct.  27,  1712. 

Sarah,  b.  Aug.  5, 1714. 

Hale,  Jonathan.     See  No.  10,  Naubuc  Farms. 

Hale,  Samuel.     See  No.  10,  Nauhuc  Farms. 

Hal£,  Thomas.     See  No.  10,  Naubuc  Farms. 

Hill,  Hills,  Joseph.  The  Hills  of  Glastenbury  are  supposed  to  be  the 
descendants  of  "  AVilliam  Hill  of  Hoccanum."  The  family  record  of  Joseph 
Hill  is  not  in  Glastenbury,  but  Joseph  Hill,  Jr^  married  Elizabeth,  dau. 
of  William  Tryon  of  Wethersfield,  June  10,  1708,  and  had— 

Dudley,  b.  March  10, 1710,  d.  Jan.  G,  1711. 

Elizabeth,  b.  Jan.       5, 1713. 

Hannah,  b.  June    24, 1716,  m.  Elisha  Loveland,  Jan.  19,  1737. 

Joseph,  b.  Aug.    19,  1719. 

Susannah,  b.  April    18,  1722. 

Benjamin,  b.  Feb.     18,  1726,  m.  Martha  Doming,  Dec.  26,  1747. 

Hollistek,  David.     See  No.  35,  Naubuc  Farms. 

Hollister,  Ephraim,  m.  Elizabeth,  dau.  Tobias  Green,  April  1,  1707, 
and  had — 

Ephraim,  b.  Jan.      1, 1708,  d.  Jan.  5, 1708. 
Elizabeth,  b.  Feb.    23,  1709. 

See  also  No.  35. 

Hollister,  John,  m.  Abiah ,  of  "Wethersfield,  1693,  and  had — 

Benjamin,  b.  Feb.  5, 1694. 
Jeremiah,  b.  Oct.  21, 1696. 
Sarah,  b.  Jan.       6, 1698. 


191 


Abigail,  b.  Aug.     11,  1701,  d.  Nov.  17,  1712. 

Abraham,  b.  May        5,  1705,  m.  .Sarah,  Jau.  John  Hubbard. 

Prudence,  b.  March    3,  1707. 

Mehitable,  b.  I'ob.       4, 1709. 

Martha,  b.  March  20,  1712. 

Abigail,  b.  Jan.      26, 1714. 

Elizabeth,  b.  Dec.       5, 1715,  m.  Doct.  Josei)h  Steele  of  Kensington, 

See  also  A^o.  35.  ' 

HoLLisTER,  Joseph.     See  No.  35,  Nauhuc  Farms. 

HoLLiSTER,  Joseph,  Jk.,  m.  Ann ,  Nov.  27,  1G04,  and  had — 

Joseph,  b.  Dec.    28,  1696,  m.  Mary,  dau.  Joseph  Wiite,  (Mid.)  Dec.  28,  1721. 

William,  b.  July,     8, 1699. 

Mary,  b.  Aug.    25, 1704,  m.  Joseph  Shelton,  Hartford. 

Ann,  b.  Jan.    16, 1707,  m.  Ebcuezcr  White,  IMiddletown. 

Esther,  b.  Aug.    28,  1709,  m.  Thaddeus  Shelton,  Hartford. 

HoLLiSTER,  Thomas,  m.  Dorothe,  dau.  Joseph  Ilill, 1696,  and 

had — 

Josiah,  b.  June    7,  1696,  m.  Martha,  dau.  Wm.  Miller,  Jan.  28,  1718. 

Dorothy,  b.  Oct.    17,  1697,  m.  Abraham  Fox,  Jan.  3, 1717. 

Gideon,  b.  Sept.  23,  1699. 

Charles,  b.  July  ^6,  1701,  m.  Prudence,  dau.  John  Francis,  April  5,  1729. 

Elizabeth,  b.  Dec.  17,  1703,  m.  William  MiUer,  Oct.  14,  1731. 

Hannah,  b.  Dec.  26,  1705,  d.  Oct.,  1712. 

Thomas,  b.  Jan.  13, 1707. 

Ruth,  b.  Oct.   13, 1710,  m.  Nchemiah  Smith. 

Piachel,  b.  July  27, 1712,  m.  Joshua  Talcott. 

Hannah,  b.  Feb.  16, 1714,  m.  Wm.  House. 

Elisha,  b. . 

House,  William,  one  of  the  householders  in  Glastenbury,  in  1693, 
seems  to  have  been  William  House,  Sen.,  and  to  have  left  several  children, 
among  whom  were — 

John,        m.  Eunice  Fox,  May  8,  1703. 

'WiUiam,  m.  Hannah  Loveland,  Dec.  1,  1709.    His  dau.  Hannah,  m.  Josiah  Benton,  Feb.  5, 
1736.    He  had  two  sons  at  least,  William  and  Benoni. 
Joseph,     m.  (1)  Hannah  Porter,  Dec.  25,1712,  d.  July,  17,1716.  (2)  Rachel  Pitkin,  Oct.  7,  1718. 
Eunice,     m.  Thomas  Loveland,  and  perhaps, 
Sarah,       who  married  Joseph  Smith,  Jan.  2,  1696. 

Hubbard,  John.     See  No.  14,  Nauhuc  Farms. 

Ejlborx,  John.     See  No.  24,  Nauhuc  Farms. 

KiMBERLEY,  Eleazer.     See  No.  28,  Nauhuc  Farms. 

Miller,  William.  In  1660,  Samuel  Miller  bought  land  on  this  side  of 
the  river,  but  whether  he  ever  lived  here  himself,  does  not  appear.  In  1693, 
William  Miller  was  resident  here,  but  his  name  is  by  mistake  printed  Samuel, 
on  page  51st,  line  2Gth  from  the  top,  and  on  page  82d,  line  4th  from  the 


192 

bottom.  But  on  page  64,  line  14tli  from  the  bottom,  it  is  correctlj  jirinted 
William.  William  had  a  brother  John,  but  neither  of  them  seem  to  have 
been  permanent  residents  here,  until  sometime  later,  as  he  -was  not  a  tax 
payer  in  1713. 

William  Miller,  son  of  William  Miller,  a  tax  payer  in  1723,  m.  Susan- 
nah, dau.  of  Thomas  Kilborn  of  Hartford,  Sept.,  1720,  and  had— 

Susannah,  b.  Sept.    28,  1721. 

Mary,  b.  Aug.     16,  1723. 

AVilUam,      b.  Aug.    24,  1725,  died  young. 

Mabel,         b.  July    17,  1728. 

Martha,       b.  March   2,  1731,  died  the  next  day. 

Mrs.  S.  Miller  d.  16,  1731,  and  W.  M.  m.  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Thomas  Hol- 
lister,  Oct.  14,  1731,  and  had — 

Martha,  b.  July  7,  1732,  died. 

William,  b.  July  6,  1733. 

Elizabeth,-  b.  Jan.  26,1734. 

Martha,  b.  Feb.  13, 1737. 

Sarah,  b.  March  26, 1738. 

Benjamin,  b.  May  21,  1740. 

Patience,  b.  Jan.  31,  1743. 

The  next  generation  does  not  seem  to  be  recorded,  but  in  the  2d,  we  find 
this  record. 

"  Elijah  Miller,  son  of  Capt.  William  Miller,  b.  July  6,  17G8,  married 
Mabel  Hale,  daughter  of  Deacon  David  Hale,  Dec.  22,  1802."  This  would 
seem  to  connect  Elijah  wuth  William,  the  householder  of  1693.  But  another 
record  in  immediate  connection  shows  this  to  be  a  mistake. 

"  Capt.  William  Miller,  son  of  John  Miller,  married  Elizabeth,  dau.  John 
Loveland  of  Wethersfield,  and  had — 

Elijah,  b.  July  6, 1768,  [m.  Mabel  Hale.] 
Lucy,    b.  Oct.  16, 1769,  d.  July  18, 1770." 

This  John  Miller,  father  of  William,  was  no  doubt  the  tax  payer  of  1757, 
and  was  brother  of  William,  who  married  a  Hollister,  as  above.  These  are 
all  descendants  from  William  of  1693,  as  for  example  (1)  William,  (2)  John, 
(3)  AVilliam,  (4)  Elijah,  (5)  Col.  Elijah  of  the  present  time. 

Loveland,  Thomas.     See  No.  44,  Nauhuc  Farms. 

Smith,  Benjamin.  )  These  three  men  were  brothers,  unless  Samuel 
Smith,  Joseph.  >-  may  be  an  exception.  Richard  Smith  of  Wethers- 
Smith,  Samuel.  )  field,  whose  will,  dated  1680,  Avas  proved  in  1698, 
was  the  son  of  Richard.  Richard,  Jr.,  had  the  following  children,  and  per- 
haps others.  All  these  are  mentioned  in  his  will,  except  Benjamin.  Samuel, 
Joseph,  Benjamin,  Hester,  who  married  a  Strickland,  and  Beriah,  who  mar- 
ried Richard  Fox,  Sen.  Joseph  died  without  children,  giving  his  jiroperty 
to  his  brothers  Samuel  and  Benjamin,,  and  B's  sons. 

Samuel  Smith  married  Jane  Tudor  of  Windsor,  Oct.  28, 1680,  and  had — 


193 

Jano,  b.  Sept.  18,  1681,  d.  Jan.  24,  1G82. 

Mary,  b.  Jan.  18,  1682. 

Kichard,  b.  May  18,  1685,  d.  Jan.  29,  1686. 

Richard,  b.  July  22,  1687,  d.  July  19,  1701. 

Rachel,  b.  March  14,  1690. 

Samuel,  b.  Feb.  20, 1692. 

Joseph,  b.  July  31,  1695. 

Dinah,  b.  Oct.  28,  1697,  m.  Joseph  Brewer,  May  29,  1727- 

Who  Benjamin  Smith  married,  we  have  not  learned,  but  his  son  Richard 
married  Abigail  Clark,  Nov.  25,  1730,  whoise  son  I~aaf,  b.  Dec.  IG,  1735,  m. 
Ruth  Ilollister,  and  had  Zephaniah  Iloliister  Smith,  b.  Aug.  21,  1759,  the 
father  of  the  Misses  Smith  who  now  own  the  Eleazer  Kimberley  place. 

*Smith,  Joxathan,  has  no  record  of  his  family  in  Glastonbury,  but  he 
bad  a  son  Gershom,  to  whom  he  gave  land  in  1710,  who  was  a  tax  payer  in 
1713,  and  who  m.  Hannah,  dau.  Benj.  Judd,  Farmiugton,  May  4,  1710.  He 
had — 

Hannah,    b.  June  24, 1711. 

Gershom,   b.  April    5,  1714,  d.  Dec.  17, 1728. 

Also,  a  son  Joseph  to  whom  he  gave  land  in  1711, 

Streen,  Stearne,  Patrick,  was  one  of  the  petitioners  for  the  Incor- 
poration of  the  Town.     He  married  Hannah  Niel,  April  4,  1687,  and  had — 


Elizabeth,  b.  April  27, 1687. 
Abigail,  b.  July  5, 1691. 
Hannah,  b.  April  16,  1693. 
Ebenezer,  b.  Jan.  20, 1695. 
Daniel,  b.  Jan.  2,  1697. 
Patrick  Streen  d.  Feb  ,  1732. 


Thankful,  b.  April  30, 1699'. 
Sarah,  b.  July  20,  1701. 
Deborah,  b.  Jan.  1.3,  1704. 
Mary,  b.  June  7,  1707. 
Martha,     b.  May    14,  1709. 


Strickland,  John.     The  first  Strickland  of  whom  we  find  any  record 
here,  is  Thicait  Slrickland,  whose  estate  was  settled  iu  1670,  and  who  left — 

Elizabeth,  b.  March  31, 1647,  m. Andrews. 

John,         b.  Feb.      14,  1(348. 
Joseph,      b.  Feb.  1654. 

Jane,  b.  June,  1657- 

Ephraim,  b.  Feb.       2, 1662. 

Who  John  married,  we  have  not  discovered,  but  of  his  children, 

John,  Jr.,    m.  Elizabeth  Dickens,  March  8,  1705. 

Samuel,        m.  Sarah  Tryon,  Dec.  4,  1717. 

Benjamin,    probably  a  son  of  the  same,  m.  Elizabeth  Loveland,  Dec.  2, 1708. 

Welles,  Samuel.     See  No.  7,  Nauhuc  Farms. 

WiCKHAM,  William.     See  No.  \2,  Nauhuc  Farms. 

Talcott,  Benjamin.     See  No.  11,  Nauhuc  Farms. 

Talcott,  Nathaniel.     See  No.  II,  Nauhuc  Farms. 
13 


-«* 


194 

Treat,  Richard,  Jr.     See  No.  36,  Naubttc  Farms. 

Trian,  Trion,  Tryon,  Joseph.  This  man,  who  is  known  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  Town  as  Doct.  Joseph  Tryon,  appears  to  have  been  in  Glasten- 
bury  in  1693,  though  it  is  not  certain  that  he  became  a  landholder  until  1694, 
when  he  received  a  grant  from  the  public  lands  of  the  Town.  His  wife's 
name  was  Lydia,  and  they  had — 

Mary,      b.  Oct.  5,  1695,  m.  Benjamin  Abbey,  Jan.  24, 1716. 

Lydia,      b.  July  13,  1697. 

Rachel,    b.  Oct.  29,  1699. 

Joseph,   b.  May      3, 1702,  m.  Sarah  Treat,  March  13,  1729. 

b.  Aug.  14,  1712,  d.  Sept.  22,  1712. 


Beside  these,  there  seems  to  have  been  Benjamin,  to  whom  his  father  deed- 
ed land  in  173  7.  There  was  also  another  family  which  probably  came  from 
Wethersfield,  of  which  we  only  know  that  the  father's  name  was  David,  and 
that  he  had  three  sons,  David,  Noah,  and  Ezra,  to  whom  he  gave  land  in 
1729. 


Wright,  Daniel.     See  No.  29,  Naubuc  Farms. 

Nathaniel  Foote,  and  Nathaniel  Foote,  Jr.,  were  both  of  them 
among  the  earliest  landholders  of  the  place,  and  their  descendants  under 
various  names  have  ever  continued  to  be  so,  and  hence  should  be  mentioned. 
Nathaniel,  Sen.,  owned  lot  No.  18,  in  1640,  containing  192  acres.  In  1650, 
Nathaniel,  Jr.,  owned  the  Matthew  Mitchel  lot.  No.  34,  containing  900  acres. 
A  few  years  after,  this  man,  or  another  member  of  the  family  bearing  the 
same  name,  purchased  the  Town  of  Colchester  of  the  Indians. 

Nathaniel  Foote,  m.  Elizabeth  Deming  in  1615,  and  had — 


-,  died  in  1665. 

— ,  1659,  (I.  1681,  lived  in  New  Haven  and  Branford. 


Nathaniel,  b.  1620,  m.  EUz.  - 

Robert,       b.  1627,  m.  Sarah  ■ 

Elisabeth,   b.  1616,  m.  Josiah  Churchill.     She  d.  Sept.,  1700. 

Mary,  b.  1823,  m.  (1)  John  Stoddard,  1642.    He  died  1644.  (2)  John  Goodrich,  1674.    He 

died  1680.  (3)  Thomas  Tracy,  Norwich.    He  died  1685. 

Frances,  b.  1629,  m.  (1)  John  Dickinson,  of  W.  and  then  Hadley,  (2)  Francis  Barnard,  Hart- 
ford and  Hadley. 

Sarah,  b.  1632,  m.  Jeremiah  Judson,  Stratford.     She  died  1673.  [Northampton. 

Rebecca,      b.  1634,  m.  (1)  Philip   Smith  of  W.  and  Hadley,  (2)  Haron  Cook  of  Windsor  and 


APPENDIX   III. 

NEW  FMIILIES  ADDED  FROM  1693  TO  1713. 


Andrews,  Stephen,  came  from  "  Poke  Hill"  ferry  near  "  Wethersficld 
folly,"  between  1693  and  1713.  There  is  no  record  of  his  family  in  Glasten- 
bury,  but  he  is  said  to  have  left  (2)  Elisha,  Charles,  and  Eli.  Charles  is 
also  said  to  have  had  (3)  Charles,  Solomon,  David,  and  other  brothers  who 
went  to  Vermont.  The  present  inhabitants  of  the  Town,  bearing  this  name 
are  descended  principally  from  the  three  last  mentioned.  Those  who  bear 
the  name  of  Andrus,  are  no  doubt  from  the  same  stock,  but  the  imperfection 
of  the  Records  does  not  allow  of  historical  proof  of  the  fact. 

Bevin,  Arthur,  though  resident  in  Glastenbury  for  some  time  before 
its  incorporation,  was  not  a  land,  or  householder  until  subsequently.  He  re- 
ceived a  grant  from  the  public  lands  of  the  town  in  169G.  His  wife's  name 
was  Mary,  and  their  children  were — 

John,  b.  1676. 

Mary,  b.  1678. 

Grace,  b.  1679. 

Mercy,  b.  1681. 

Thomas,  b.  1682. 

Besire,  b.  1684. 

Bevix,  Thomas,  the  tax  payer  in  1713,  was  the  Thomas  above  named. 

BiGELOW,  John,  was  a  land  holder  in  Glastenbury  in  1709,  and  was  a 
tax  payer  in  1713,  but  there  is  no  record  of  his  family  if  he  had  one,  nor  of 
any  of  the  name,  until  1762,  when  David  Bif/elow,  //-.,  married  Patience 
Foot,  daughter  of  Nathaniel  Foot,  Jr. 

Couch,  Simon,  had  a  grant  of  public  lands  from  the  Town  in  1698. 
He  married  Rebecca  Strickland,  March  7,  1 705,  and  had — 

Rebecca,    b.  Feb.    25,  1706. 

Susanna,    b.  Feb.      1,  1707,  m.  John  Smith,  Feb.  17, 1731,  had  five  children. 

Simon,        b.  Jan.   25,  1710. 

Jonathan,  b. 1711,  m.  Sarah  Pellett. 


Arthur, 

b.  1686. 

Joanna, 

b.  1687. 

Elizabeth, 

b.  1690. 

Abigail, 

b.  1692. 

Sarah, 

b.  1694. 

Anna, 

b.  1696. 

196 

John,          b.  Aug.    5.  1713. 
Esther,       b. 1715,  d.  1715. 

Dickinson,  Thomas,  a  descendant  of  Nathaniel,  the  original  proprietor 
of  No.  19,  Naubuc  Farms,  was  resident  in  Glastenbury  and  received  a  grant 
of  public  lands  in  1698.  He  married  Mary  Loveland,  June  1,  1693,  and  d. 
April  1,  1717.     Their  children  were — 

Joseph,  b.  May,      1694. 

Thomas,  b.  April,    1698. 

Charity,  b.  April,    1699,  m.  John  "Waddams. 

Joshuah,  b.  March,  1701. 

Phebe,  b.  Nov.,     1702,  m.  Abraham  Skinner,  Jr.,  Jan.  26,  1727. 

Mary,  b.  Aug.,     1704. 

David,  b.  Dec,      1705. 

Deborah,  b.  July,     1708,  m.  Benjamin  Skinner,  May  11,  1732. 

Thomas  Dickinson  d.  April  1,  1717. 

Goodrich,  Eichard,  son  of  one  of  the  Goodriches  mentioned  in  No. 
12,  Naubuc  Farms,  married  Hannah  Bulkley  of  New  London,  probably 
daughter  of  Charles,  and  grand-daughter  of  Gershom  Bulkley,  May  18, 
1709,  and  had — 

Ann,  b.  March    6, 1710. 

Richard,  b.  July     13,  1712,  d.  Sept.  1,  1714. 

Sarah,  b.  July       6,  1715. 

Gershom,  b.  May       5,  1717. 

Richard,  b.  July     23, 1719. 

Hodge,  Samuel,  was  a  landholder  in  this  Town  in  1713,  but  there  is  no 
record  of  his  family  here.  In  1748,  Samuel  Hodge,  Jr.,  married  Mary, 
daughter  of  Thomas  Loveland,  and  had  three  children. 

John  Hodge,  son  of  Samuel  Hodge,  Sen.,  m.  Sarah  Taylor,  June  29, 1748, 
and  had  nine  children,  seven  sons  and  three  daughters. 

Benjamin  Hodge,  son  of  Samuel,  m.  Lydia  Welles,  1751,  and  had  nine 
children. 

JcDD,  Jonathan,  bought  land  in  Glastenbury,  1712,  m.  Hannah  Dig- 
gins,  Nov.  27,  1712,  and  had — 

Philip,        b.  Jan.  13,  1714. 
Jonathan,  b.  Dec.  31,  1751. 

Keeney,  Richard,  d.  1680,  leaving  several  children,  among  whom  was 

Richard,  b.  16  73.     His  son  Richard,  m.  Eunice ,  and  resided  partly  in 

Glastenbury,  and  partly  in  Wethersfield.     His  children,  as  far  as  known, 
were, 

Mary,        m.  Samuel  Bidwell,  Jr.,  Middletown,  Dec.  22, 1720. 

Richard,    b. .  to  whom  land  was  given  by  his  father  in  1726. 

Thomas,  to  whom  land  was  given  by  his  father  in  1730. 

KiLBORN,  Ebenezer,  SOU  of  John  Kilborn,  Jr.,  No.  24,  Naubuc  Farms, 
married  (1)  Sarah  Fox,  June,  1696,  and  had, 


197 

Susannah,  b.  Feb.  17,  K.OT,  m.  Abel  Morley,  April  9,  1719. 

Ebenezcr,  b.  .Jim.  4,  1099. 

Richard,  b.  Feb.  3,  1701. 

Sarah,  b.  Oct.  29,  1703. 

Josiah,  b.  May  28,  1705. 

Elizabeth,  b.  Sept.  8,  1707. 

Gideon,  b.  March  30,  1711. 

Amos,  b.  Aug.  19,  1712. 

Naomy,  b.  Oct.  12,  1714. 

David,  b.  Oct.  12,  1714. 

Sarah  KUborn  died  Oct.  28,  1714,  and  Ebenezer  married  (2)  Elizabeth 
Davis  of  Hartford,  May  11,  1715,  and  had — 

James,    b.  July    3,  1716. 
Thomas,  b.  April  13,  1718. 

Morley,  Thomas,  a  tax  payer  in  1713,  m.  Elizabeth,  dau.  William 

Wickham,  Nov.  9,  1708,  aud  had — 

WilUam,    b.  July  29,  1709. 

Elizabeth,  b.  July  31,  1715. 

John,         b.  Feb.    7,  1717. 

Enos,  b.  Aug.    6,  1719,  d.  Oct.  29,  1730. 

Mary,         b.  Oct.  24,  1722. 

Timothy,    b.  Feb.  15,  1726. 

Scott,  Thomas,  married  Marce  Goodale,  (Mid.  ?)  June  3,  1  708,  and 
had — 

Zebulon,    b.  April  14,  1710. 

Ebenezer,  b.  July    19,  1712. 

Moses,        b.  Sept.     8,  1714,  m.  Abigail  Coals,  Oct.  8,  1745. 

Elizabeth,  b.  July    30,  1717,  m.  Thomas  Buck,  May  4,  1738. 

Thomas  Scott  died  October  3J,  1747. 

Mary  Scott  died  Sept.  24,  1753. 

Smith,  Joseph,  Jr.,  m.  Sarah  Colfax,  March  2,  1729,  and  had — 

Elizabeth,  b.  Jan.  25,  1730,  d.  Jan.,  1733. 
Jonathan,  b.  Jan.  15,  1734. 
\  EUjah,       b.  Not.    8,  1738. 

Webster,  Jonathan,  a  tax  payer  in  1713,  m.  Esther ,  and  had — 

Jemima,  b.  Dec.  25,  1709. 
Ezekiel,  b.  June  7,  1712. 
Mehitable,  b.  Oct.  20,  1714. 
Dorcas,  b.  Feb.  13,  1717. 
Sarah,  b.  Jan.  18,  1719,  m.  John  Case. 
David,  b.  Jan.  29,  1721. 
Mary,         b.  Nov.     8,  1723. 

Stephen,    b.  June  11,  1728,  also,  but  emitted  in  the  record. 
Jonathan  m.  Mabsl  Bissell  of  Hartford,  1730,  and  to  whom  his  father  gave  land  in  1737. 

Welden,  James,  a  tax  payer  in  1713,  m.  Mary  Lamb  of  Springfield, 
Oct.  20,  1707,  and  had— 

Mary,        b.  Sept.  18,  1710. 

Anthony,  b.  Dec.    21, 1712. 

James,       b.  May    22,  1715,  d.  Sept.,  1715. 

John,        b.  Nov.  21, 1716. 


APPENDIX   IV. 

NOTICES  OF  FAMILIES  ADDED  BETWEN  1713  AND  1757. 


Abby,  Benjamin,  of  Windham,  m.  Mary,  dau.  of  Doct.  Joseph  Tryon, 
Jan.  24,  1716,  and  left,  Agnes,  Hannah,  Mary  and  Samuel. 

Alger,  Simeon,  m.  Mary  ,  about  1751,  and  left  Roger,  James, 

Mary  and  Simeon. 

Chamberlin,  David,  Jr.  This  man,  or  his  father,  m.  Elizabeth  Fin- 
ley,  Sept.  15,  1748,  and  the  names  of  two  children  are  recorded. 

Chamberlin,  Daniel.    ]      Of  these,  Daniel  was  the  father,  and  Rich- 

CHAMfeERLiN,  liiCHARD.  |  ard  the  son,  who  m.  Mary,  dau.  David  Dick- 
inson, Dec.  21,  1752,  and  had  ten  children. 

Curtice,  John.  Three  brothers,  Richard,  Jonathan  and  John  Curtice, 
are  mentioned  in  the  Glastenbury  Land  Records  in  1757,  but  only  John  was 
resident  tax  payer. 

Dinsmore,  William,  was  son-in-law  to  Thomas  Loveland,  but  which  of 
the  daughters  he  married  we  have  not  ascertained.  His  father-in-law  gave 
him  land  in  1739. 

Easton,  Wid.  H.  The  name  of  Easton  has  been  found  in  Glastenbury 
at  intervals,  but  the  family  has  never  remained  here  but  a  short  period  at 
any  one  time. 

Eddy,  Charles,  m.  Mary  ,  who  had  Ann,  b.  April  25,  1740,  and 

d.  Aug.  1,  1743.  He  then  m.  Hannah  Loveland,  Jan.  11,  1744,  and  had, 
Hannah  and  Charles,  and  perhaps  others  not  recorded. 

FiNLEY,  GoiN,  purchased  a  hundred  acres  of  land  of  Elizabeth  Bing- 
ham, at  Secheenayaug  in  1746.  He  was  an  Irishman  by  birth.  He  had  a 
brother  John,  mentioned  below,  and  probably  a  sister  Elizabeth,  who  m. 
David  Chamberlin  as  mentioned  above. 

FiNLEY,  John,  was  probably  brother  of  the  preceding,  but  the  records 
do  not  give  us  much  Information  in  regard  to  him. 

GooDALE,  Joseph.  Ebenezer  Goodale  m.  Sarah,  dau.  Thomas  Brewer, 
Sen.,  March  15,  1717.    Joseph  was  very  likely  his  son. 


199 

HoLDEN,  John,  Jr.  has  no  family  record  In  Glastonbury,  but  his  brother 
Jonathan  m.  Rachel,  dau.  Gideon  Ilollister,  Nov.  25,  1762,  and  his  son,  John, 
m.  Sarah,  dau.  Peleg  Welden,  May  8,  1794. 

Howe,  John,  was  here  and  m.  Mary ,  about  1755. 

HuxFORD,  Peter,  was  probably  the  father  of  Henry  and  Jolin  Iluxford, 
who  were  here  during  the  Revolution,  and  one  of  whom  was  in  the  service. 

Keeney,  Benjamin,  appears  to  have  been  a  descendant  of  Alexander 
Keeney,  whose  estate  was  settled  in  1G80.  He  left  seven  children,  of  whom, 
Richard  was  the  youngest,  being  then  si.x:  years  of  age.  His  son  Richard 
resided  in  Glastenbury  for  a  time,  but  Benjamin  is  the  first  who  seems  to 
have  been  permanently  there. 

LoOMis,  Benjamin,  came  from  Bolton,  perhaps  in  consequence  of  the 
marriage  of  several  gentlemen  from  Glastenbury  with  ladies  of  that  name  in 
Bolton. 

Matson,  Thomas,  came  from  Middletown,  and  his  ancestors  from  Ire- 
land. He  m.  Rachel,  dau.  Ebenezer  Fox,  about  1732,  and  had  seven  chil- 
dren. 

Miles,  David,  m.  Eunice  Cole,  Dec.  7, 1749,  and  had  Daniel  and  Eliza- 
beth, and  perhaps  others  not  recorded. 

Neville,  John,  conveyed  land  to  his  son-in-law,  Henry  Goslee,  in  1735. 
Also  to  his  son  Zebadiah  Fox,  in  1731  and  1732. 

Nichols,  Ozias,  was  the  son  of  Nathaniel  Nichols,  and  had  a  brother 
Nicholas,  to  whom  he  conveyed  land  in  1757.  Also  a  brother  Nathan,  who 
was  a  landholder  in  Glastenbury  in  1746. 

Perrine,  Stephen.  The  history  of  this  man  is  unknown.  He  seems 
not  to  have  remained  here  long. 

Plummer,  Ebenezer,  was  born  at  Newburyport,  commenced  business 
in  Boston,  from  whence  he  came  to  Glastenbury  in  1747.  He  m.  Elizabeth 
Shelton  of  Stratford,  a  descendant  of  Gov.  Thomas  Welles,  and  had  six 
children.  His  son  Isaac  m.  Abigail  Elizabeth,  dau.  Rev.  Jedediah  Mills  of 
Ripton,  now  Huntington.  His  son  and  grandson  are  mentioned  in  the  list 
of  graduates  given  below. 

Pratt,  Daniel,  came  from  Hartford  to  Glastenbury,  but  remained  here 
but  a  few  years. 

Risley,  Wrisley.  This  name  is  a  contraction  from  that  of  Wrio- 
thesley,  a  name  in  the  English  Peerage,  also  pronounced  Risley.  The 
earliest  of  the  name  here,  was  Samuel,  whose  son  Samuel  had  land  given 
him  by  his  father  in  1745. 

Job  m.  Mary,  dau.  Ephraim  Bid  well,  Oct.  17,  1741,  who  d.  April  15, 
1742.  He  then  m.  Beriah,  dau.  Joseph  Fox,  July  8,  1742,  and  had  ten 
children. 

Thomas  m.  Elizabeth,  dau.  William  Burnham,  Hartford,  July  15,  1749, 
and  had  five  children.  Besides  there  were  two  sons  and  two  daughters,  who 
appear  to  have  belonged  to  the  same  family. 


200 

Abigail,  m.  Churchill  Edwards. 
Sarah,  m.  Nathaniel  Loomis. 
Jonathan  and  Charles. 

Root,  John,  was  probably  a  descendant  of  John  Root  of  Farmington, 
who  m.  Mary  Kilborn,  dau.  of  Thomas,  the  first  of  the  name  in  the  country 
He  m.  Rebecca ,  about  1741,  and  has  three  children  recorded. 

Sellew,  Phillip,  son  of  John  Sellew  of  Martin's  [Martha's  V]  Vine- 
yard, m.  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Jeduthan  Smith,  April  2,  176  7.  •  This  man  was 
not  resident  here  in  1757,  but  the  name  is  inserted  in  order  to  remark  that 
the  tradition  that  Sellew  was  formed  by  the  transposition  of  Welles,  does  not 
seem  well  founded,  unless  the  scene  is  laid  elsewhere  than  Glastenbury. 

Skinner,  Ben.iamin,  son,  probably  of  Abraham  Skinner  of  Colchester, 
married  Deborah,  dau.  of  Thomas  Dickinson.  His  brother,  Abraham,  Jr., 
m.  Phebe,  dau.  of  the  same,  Jan.  26,  1727,  and  had  six  children  recorded  in 
Glastenbury. 

Sparks,  Thomas,  married  the  daughter  of  Richard  Keeney,  as  appears 
by  a  deed  wherein  he  released  land  to  his  brothers-in-law,  Thomas  and  Rich- 
ard, sons  of  Richard  Keeney,  1 750. 

Stratton,  Samuel,  ^      These  men  were  probably  brothers.     We  have 
Stratton,  Isaac,      >•  not  ascertained  where  they  came  from,  but  John 
Stratton,  John.       )  and  Samuel  remained  here,  and  Samuel  was  in 
the  Revolutionary  service. 

Strong,  Eleazar,  had  a  son  Jesse,  who  m.  Jemima,  dau.  Deac.  Benja- 
min Skinner  of  Hebron,  April  16,  1750,  and  had  five  children.  Also  a  son 
Amos,  who  m.  Jemima  Stiles,  April  29,  1762,  and  had  seven  children. 

Ward,  Daniel,  was  here  of  course  before  1757,  when  he  was  taxed,  and 
he  remained  here  until  1777,  when  he  took  the  oath  of  fidelity. 

Williams,  Samuel,  son  of  Samuel  Williams  of  Wethersfield,  m.  Susana, 
dau.  John  Fox,  Jan.  17,  1733,  and  had  eight  children. 

Wheeler,  Gershom,  seems  not  to  have  remained  long  in  Glastenbury, 
unless  Lazarus  Wheeler,  who  was  here  in  the  time  of  the  Revolution,  was 
his  son. 

Wyard,  John,  }      The  name  found  written  in  our  Records,  TTflrff,  TFea?*, 
Ware,  Joseph.  \  Wier,  Wyard,  is  evidently  the  same.    Joseph  Ware 
m.  Lydia  Fox,  April  8,  1742,  and  had  eight  children. 


APPENDIX   V. 

CHANGES  IN  THE  ORTHOGRAPHY  OF  NAMES. 


Ix  tracing  the  names  of  families  and  estates,  it  will  often  be  found  that 
great  changes  have  taken  place  in  the  orthography  of  names,  though  the  pro- 
nunciation may  have  remained  nearly  or  quite  the  same.  A  knowledge  of 
these  changes  is  often  indisjjcnsable  in  passing  from  generation  to  generation 
in  order  to  connect  them.  The  following  are  the  principal  ones  which  occur 
in  our  records. 

Alford,  Alvord,  and  Olvard,  are  variations  of  the  same  name. 

Andrews  and  Axdrus  are  the  same  name  differently  written. 

Bevin  and  Bevikg  are  also  the  same. 

BiGELOW  and  Biglow  are  modifications  of  the  same  name. 

Curtice  as  formerly  written,  is  the  same  name  as  the  present  Curtiss. 

DiCKEsrsoN  and  Dickerson  are  orthographic  changes. 

GiLDERSLEEVE,  GiLDERS  and  GiLDER,  are  various  modes  of  writing 
and  pronouncing  the  same  name. 

Goodrich,  Goodridge  and  Goodridg,  are  the  same  name  in  different 
forms. 

GosLix,  Gosling,  Gosley,  Goslee.  This  name  appears  to  have  been 
French,  to  have  been  spelled  like  the  first,  and  pronounced  like  the  second 
variation.  The  name  was  changed  intentionally,  and  occurs  in  the  Record 
of  the  births  of  the  children  of  Henry  Goslin,  the  first  of  the  name,  and  as 
he  first  wrote  it.  The  Record  of  his  eighth  child's  name,  was  entered  as 
Henry  Gosley. 

Glastenbury  in  Connecticut  has  an  E,  uniformly  in  the  second  syllable, 
which  the  English  replaces  by  an  0.     The  Tis  also  often  changed  into  S  in 
the  early  records. 
Hill  and  Hills  are  also  one  name  in  our  records. 

KiLBORN,  ^lborne,  Kilburn,  Kilburne,  are  merely  orthographic 
varieties  of  the  same  name. 

MosELEY  was  at  first  written  Maudsley,  in  all  our  records,  and  is  so 


202 

written  in  those  of  Westfield,  from  whence  the  family  came,  and  in  those  of 
Windsor  where  they  first  settled.     It  seems  to  have  been  purposely  changed. 

RiSLEY,  at  first  written  Wrisley  in  our  records,  is  a  contracted  form  of 
the  English  name  Wriothesley,  all  of  which  are  pronounced  alike. 
^  Strickland,  Strickling,  and  sometimes  Stickling,  are  mere  varie- 
ties, the  first  being  correct,  the  other  two  corruptions. 

Tryon,  Trion  and  Trian  denote  the  same  name,  truly  represented 
by  the  first  form. 

Ware,  Wear,  Wier,  Wire  and  Wyard  are  difi"erent  forms  of  wri- 
ting the  same  name,  in  regard  to  which  it  is  difficult  to  determine  the  earU- 

est. 


APPENDIX   VI. 


LIST  OF  REPRESENTATIVES 


From  the  incorporation  of  the  Town  to  the  present  time,  with  notices  of  their 
parentage  and  age  when  first  elected,  to  the  time  of  the  Revolution. 


1690.  Town  incorporated. 

1691.  No  Representative. 

1692.  June  22d,  "  Tliis  Court  names  the   town  of  Nabuck,  over  against 

Wethersfield,  Glassenbury." 

1693.  The  General  Court  releases  the  town  of  Glassenbury  from  paying  a 

country  tax. 

1694.  Eleazer  Kimberley,  son  of  Thomas  R.  of  New  Haven,  54. 

1695.  Samuel  Hale,  the  second  of  the  name,  50. 

1696.  Eleazer  Kimberly ;  also  Secretary  of  State  from  1696  to  1709. 

2d  Ses.  Samuel  Hale. 

1697.  Samuel  Welles,  the  second  of  the  name,  37. 

2d  Ses.  Samuel  Hale. 

1698.  Samuel  Hale. 

2d  Ses.  Eleazer  Kimberly. 

1699.  Jonathan  Smith. 

2d  Ses.  Jonathan  Smith. 

1700.  John  Hubbard,  son  of  John,  of  Wethersfield. 
2d  Ses.  John  Hubbard. 

1701.*  Jonathan  Smith,  Samuel  Hale. 

2d  Ses.  Jonathan  Smith,  Samuel  Hale. 

1702.  Jonathan  Smith,  Samuel  Hale. 

2d  Ses.  Samuel  Hale,  Ephraim  Goodrich.f 

1703.  Jonathan  Smith,  Thomas  Treat.J     Jonathan  Smith.     Vacancy. 

1704.  Samuel  Hale,  Jonathan  Smith.    Samuel  Hale,  John  Hubbard. 


*  This  was  the  first  year  that  Glastonbury  had  two  Representatives. 

t  Son  of  William,  39. 

X  "  Of  Nayauj,"  son  of  Richard,  35, 


204 

1705.  Samuel  Hale,  John  Hubbard.    Samuel  Welles,  Samuel  Hale. 

1706.  Samuel  Hale,  John  Hubbard.      Samuel  Hale,  Thomas  Treat. 

1707.  Samuel  Welles,  Samuel  Hale.     Samuel  Hale,  John  Hubbard. 

1708.  Samuel  Hale,  Jonathan  Smith.     Thomas  Kimberly,*  Samuel  Hale. 

1709.  Samuel  Hale.     Vacancy.     Samuel  Hale,  Thomas  Kimberly. 

1710.  Samuel  Hale,  Thomas  Kimberly.      Samuel  Hale,  Thomas  Kimberly. 

1711.  Samuel  Hale,  Thomas  Kimberly.    Thomas  Kimberly.     Vacancy. 

1712.  Samuel  Welles,  Thomas  Treat.    Samuel  Welles,  Thomas  Treat. 

1713.  Samuel  Welles,   Samuel  Smith.    Samuel  Welles,  Samuel  Smith. 

1714.  Thomas  Kimberly,  John  Hubbard.  Thomas  Kimberly,  John  Hubbard. 
1  715.  Thomas  Kimberly,  John  Hubbard.    Thomas  Kimberly,  John  Hubbard. 

1716.  Thomas  Kimberly,  John  Hubbard.  Thomas  Kimberly,  John  Hubbard. 

1717.  Thomas  Kimberly,  John  Hubbard.  Thomas  Kimberly,  John  Hubbard. 

1718.  Thomas  Kimberly,  Samuel  Smith,  Jr.f    Thomas  Kimberly,  John  Hub- 

bard. 

1719.  Thomas  Kimberly.     Vacancy.     Thomas  Kimberly.     Vacancy. 

1720.  Thomas  Kimberly,  Benjamin  Talcott.J  Thomas  Kimberly,  John  Hub- 

bard. 

1721.  Thomas  Kimberly,  Abram  Kilbourn.§   Thomas  Kimberly,  John  Hub- 

bard. 

1722.  Thomas  Kimberly,  John  Hubbard.  Thomas  Kimberly,  John  Hubbard. 

1723.  Thomas  Kimberly,  John  Hubbard.   Thomas  Kimberly,  John  Hubbard. 

1724.  Thomas  Kimberly,  John  Hubbard.    Thomas  Kimberly,   David  Hub- 

bard.]! 

1725.  Thomas  !^mberly,  Thomas  Welles.^    Thomas  Kimberly,  David  Hub- 

bard. 

1726.  **Thomas  Kimberly,  David  Hubbard.   **Thomas  Kimberly,  Thomas 

Welles. 

1727.  **Thomas  Kimberly,  David  Hubbard.    **Thomas  Kimberly,  David 

Hubbard. 

1728.  Thomas  Welles,  CharlesTreat.fi    **Thomas  Kimberly.     Vacancy. 

1729.  **Thomas  Kimberly,  David  Hubbard.  Thomas  Kimberly,  David  Hub- 

bard. 

1730.  Thomas  Welles,   David    Hubbard.     David  Hubbard,  Abraham  Kil- 

bourn.JJ 

1731.  Thomas  Welles,  David  Hubbard.  Thomas  Welles,  David  Hubbard. 

1732.  Thomas  Welles,  David  Hubbard.  Thomas  Welles,  David  Hubbard. 

1733.  Thomas  Welles,  David  Hubbard.  Thomas  Welles,  David  Hubbard. 

1734.  Thomas  Welles,  David  Hubbard.  Thomas  Welles,  David  Hubbard. 


*  Son  of  Eleazer,  27.  f  Age,  29. 

X  Son  of  Samuel,  46.  §  Son  of  John,  46. 

II   Son  of  John.  IT  Son  of  Samuel  the  2d,  32. 

**  Speaker  of  the  House.  ft  Son  of  Thomas,  32. 

J  J  Same  as  Abram,  1721. 


205 

1735.  NatlianiflTalcott,*  David  Hubbard.    Tliomas  Welles,  Jonathan  Ilale.f 

1736.  Thouias  ^\'elles,   Jonathan  Hale.  Thomas  ^V  elles,  iJonathan  Hale. 

1737.  Thomas  Welles,  Jonatlian  Hale.  Tiiomas  Welles,  Jonathan  Hale. 

1738.  Thomas  Welles,  Jonathan  Hale.  Tiiomas  AVelles,  Jonathan  Hale. 

1739.  Thomas  W'elles,  Jonathan  Hale.  Thomas  AVelles,  Jonathan  Hale. 

1 740.  Thomas  Welles,  Jonathan  Hale.  Thomas  Welles,  Jonathan  Hale. 

1741.  Thomas  Welles,  Jonathan  Hale.  Thomas  AV'elles,JJonathan  Hale. 

1742.  Thomas  AVelles,  Jonathan  Hale.  Thomas  AVelles,  Jonathan  Hale. 

1743.  Thomas  Welles,  Jonathan  Hale.  Thomas  Welles,  Jonathan  Hale. 

1744.  Thomas  Welles,  Jonathan  Hale.  Thomas  AVelles,  Jonathan  Hale. 

1745.  Thomas  AA^'elles,  Jonathan  Hale.  Thomas  AA^elles,  Jonathan  Hale. 

1746.  Thomas  AVelles,  Jonathan  Hale.  Thomas  AA'elles,  Jonathan  Hale. 

1747.  Thomas  AVelles,  Abner  Moseley.  Thomas  AVelles,  Jonathan  Hale. 

1 748.  Thomas  AVelles,  Jonathan  Hale.  Thomas  AA'elles,  Jonathan  Hale. 

1749.  Thomas  Welles,  Jonathan  Hale.  Thomas  Welles,  Jonathan  Hale. 

1750.  Thomas  AVelles, J  Jonathan  Hale.  Thomas  AVelles,  Jonathan  Hale. 

1751.  Thomas  AV^elles,J  Samuel  Kimberly.§     Jonathan  Hale,  Samuel  Kim- 

berly. 

1752.  Jonathan  Hale,  Samuel  Khuberly.   Jonathan  Hale,  Samuel  Kimberly. 

1753.  Jonathan  Hale,  Samuel  Ki^jjfcerly.    Jonathan  Hale,  Samuel  Khuberly. 

1754.  Jonathan  Hale,  Samuel  Kimberly.    Samuel  Kimberly,  Samuel  Talcott. 

1755.  Jonathan  Hale,  Samuel  Kimberly.   Jonathan  Hale,  Samuel  Kimberly. 

1756.  Abram  Kilbourn.     A^acancy.     Samuel  Kimberly.     A^acancy. 

1757.  Samuel  Kimberly.     A^'acancy.     Samuel  Kimberly.     A'aeancy. 

1758.  Joslah  Benton.||    A^acancy.     Samuel  Kimberly,  John  AVelles.^ 

1759.  Isaac**  Kimberly,  John  AVelles.     Samuel  Kimberly.     Vacancy. 

1760.  Samuel  Kimberly,  John  AA^elles.    Samuel  Kimberly,  Jonathan  AA''elles. 

1761.  John  Kimberly ,tt  John  AVelles.     John  Kimberly,  John  AVelles. 

1762.  Jonathan  Hale,  AVilliam  AA'elles.JJ    John  Kimberly,  AVilliam  AVelles. 

1763.  John  Kimberly,  AA'illiam  AA^elles.     Jonathan  Hale,  William  AVelles. 

1764.  Elisha§§  Hollister,  Jonathan  Welles.    AVilliam  AVelles,  John  Kimberly. 

1765.  John  Kimberly,  AVilliam  AA^elles.    Jonathan  AA'elles,  Elizur  Talcott.||  || 

1766.  EHzur  Talcott,  AVilliam  AVelles.   Jonathan  AVelles,^^  John  Kimberly. 

1767.  Elizur  Talcott,  John  Kimberly.    Jonathan  AA^elles,  Elizur  Talcott. 


*  Son  of  Samuel,  47.  f  Son  of  Samuel,  the  2d. 

X  Speaker  of  the    House  of  Representatives. 

§  Son  of  Thomas,  4'i.        \\  Son  of  Edward,  53.         IT  Son  of  Thomas,  Esq. 

**  This  name  is  probably  an  error  for  Samuel.  There  was  no  tax-payer  in 
Glastenbury  in  1757,  nor  any  child  bearing  that  name  in  the  family  of  Thomas, 
from  whom  the  Glastenbury  Kimberlys  descended. 

tt  Son  of  Thomas,  42.  JJ  Son  of  Thomas,  3S. 

§§  Son  of  Thomas,   48.  |{||   Son  of  Deac.  Benjamin,  57 

«T^  Son  of  Thomas,  34. 


206 

17G8.  Jonathan  Welles,  John  Kimberly.      William  Welles,  John  Kimberly. 

1769.  Jonathan  Welles,  John  Kimberly.    Jonathan  Welles,  John  Kimberly. 

1770.  John  Kimberly,    Jonathan  Welles.      Jonathan  Welles,  John  Kim- 

berly. 

1771.  Jonathan  Welles,  John  Kimberly.    John  Kimberly,  Jonathan  Welles. 

1772.  John  Kimberly,  Jonathan  Welles.    John  Kimberly,  Jonathan  Welles. 

1 773.  John  Kimberly,  Ebenezer  Plummer.  William  Welles,  Jonathan  Welles. 

1774.  Jonathan  Welles,  Ebenezer  Plummer.*     Jonathan  Welles,  Ebenezer 

Plummer. 

1775.  Jonathan  Welles,  Ebenezer  Plummer.    Jonathan  Welles,  Elijah  Hol- 

lister. 

1776.  Ebenezer  Plummer,  Elijah  HoUister.   Ebenezer  Plummer,  Elijah  Hol- 

lister. 

1777.  Jonathan   Welles,    Ebenezer   Plummer.     Ebenezer  Plummer.     Va- 

cancy. ^ 

1778.  Jonathan  Welles,  Ebenezer  Plummer.     Jonathan  Welles,  Ebenezer 

Plummer. 

1779.  Jonathan  Welles,  Joseph  Moseley.f    Ebenezer  Plummer.     Vacancy. 

1 780.  Ebenezer  Plummer,  Doct.  Elizur  liale.J  Isaac  Goodrich,§  Elijah  Hol- 
lister.  i§f 

1781.  Ebenezer  Plummer,  Isaac  Goodrich.     Vacancy.    Vacancy. 

1782.  Josiah  Hale,||  Ebenezer  Plummer.     Gideon  Hale,lf  Isaac  Moseley. 

1783.  Gideon  Hale,  Phillip  Sellew.     Gideon  Hale,  Phillip  Sellew. 

1784.  Gideon  Hale,  Phillip  Sellew.     Gideon  Hale,  Phillip  Sellew. 

1785.  Phillip  Sellew,  Gideon  Hale.     Phillip  Sellew,  Josiah  Hale. 

1786.  Phillip  Sellew,  Joseph  Moseley.     John  Welles,  Joseph  Moseley. 

1787.  Joseph  Moseley,  John  Welles.     Joseph  Moseley,  John  Welles. 

1 788.  Joseph  Moseley,  Jonathan  Brace.     Joseph  Moseley,  Phillip  Sellew. 

1789.  Joseph  Moseley,  Howell  Woodbridge.  Joseph  Moseley,  Howell  Wood- 

bridge. 

1790.  Joseph  Moseley,  Howell  Woodbridge.  Joseph  Moseley,  Howell  Wood- 

bridge. 

1791.  Joseph  Moseley,   Jonathan  Brace.     Howell  Woodbridge,  Jonathan 

Brace. 

1792.  Howell  Woodbridge,  Jonathan  Brace.  Joseph  Moseley,  Howell  Wood- 

bridge. 

1793.  Howell  Woodbridge,  Jonathan  Brace.    Isaac  Welles,  Joseph  Moseley. 

1794.  Howell  Woodbridge,  Jonathan  Brace.     Howell  Woodbridge,  Elisha 

Hale. 


*  Came  from  Boston  to  Glastenbury  in  1747.     The  first  Representative  of  the 
town  not  a  native  born  citizen.     He  died,  1S17. 

t  Son  of  Abner.  J  Son  of  Jonatliaii.  §  Son  of  David,  37. 

II  Son  of  Benjamin,  35.  IT  Son  of  Benjamin,  46. 


207 

1795.  IIowoll  Woodbridge,  Elisha  Ilalc.      Elisha  Ilale,  John  Haie. 

1796.  Elisha  Hale,  John  Hale.     John  Hale,  Zeph.  H.  Smith. 

1797.  John  Hale,  Zeph.  H.  Smith.     John  Hale,  Zeph.  H.  Smith. 

1798.  John  Hale,  Zeph.  H.  Smith.     Zeph.  H.  Smith,  John  Hale. 

1799.  Zeph.  H.  Smith,  John  Hale.      John  Hale,  Samuel  Welles,  Jr. 

1800.  Zeph.  H.  Smith,  Jonathan  Welles.     Thillip  Sellew,  Israel  Foote. 

1801.  Zeph.  H.  Smith,  Jonathan  Welles.    Zeph.  H.  Smith,  Jonathan  Welles. 

1802.  Jonathan  Welles,  Samuel  AVelles.    Jonathan  Welles,  Samuel  Welles. 

1803.  Jonathan  Welles,  Samuel  Welles.     Samuel  Welles,  Asaph  Coleman. 

1804.  Samuel  Welles,  Asaph  Coleman.     Samuel  Welles,  Asaph  Coleman. 

1805.  Samuel  Welles,  Jonathan  Welles.     Samuel  Welles,  Marvin  Dayton. 

1806.  Samuel  Welles,  Marvin  Dayton.     Marvin  Dayton,  Benjamin  Hale. 

1807.  Benjamin  Hale,  Roswell  Hollister.    Benjamin  Hale,  Rosvvell  Hollister. 

1808.  Samuel  Welles,  Roswell  Hollister.   Roswell  Hollister,  James  McLean. 

1809.  James  McLean,  George  Wrisley.     George  Wrisley,  George  Sellew. 

1810.  George    Sellew,    David   E.   Hubbard.     David  E.  Hubbard,  Gideon 

Hale,  Jr. 

1811.  George  Sellew,  Amos  Hollister.     Amos  Hollister,  Gideon  Hale,  Jr. 

1812.  Samuel  Welles,  Gideon  Hale,  Jr.     Oliver  Hale,  Pardon  Brown. 

1813.  Benjamin  Hale,  Sylvester  Pulsifer.   Benjamin  Hale,  Sylvester  Pulsifer. 

1814.  Benjamin  Hale,  David  E.Hubbard.    Sylvester  Pulsifer,  Ezra  Dayton. 

1815.  Ezra  Dayton,  David  E.  Hubbard.     Benjamin  Hale,  Oliver  Hale. 

1816.  Jonathan  Welles,  Marvin  Dayton.    Jonathan  Welles,  Jeremiah  Stock- 

ing. 

1817.  Jonathan  Welles,  Jeremiah   Stocking.     Jeremiah  Stocking,  Marvin 

Dayton. 

1818.  Samuel  Welles, David  E.Hubbard.    Marvin  Dayton,  Samuel  Welles. 

1819.  Samuel  Welles,  David  E.  Hubbard. 

1820.  Ezra  Dayton,  George  Wrisley. 

1821.  George  Wrisley,  David  E.  Hubbard. 

1822.  Alexander  Hollister,  Ezra  Dayton. 

1823.  Alexander  Hollister,  David  E.  Hubbard. 

1824.  Alexander  Hollister,  Thomas  Hollister. 

1825.  Thomas  Hollister,  Solomon  Cole. 

1826.  Solomon  Cole,  David  E.  Hubbard. 

1827.  Gideon  Welles,  Henry  Dayton. 

1828.  Jonathan  Welles,  Thomas  Hollister. 

1829.  Gideon  Welles,  Henry  Dayton. 

1830.  David  E.  Hubbard,  Gideon  Welles. 

1831.  Ezra  Dayton,  George  Covell. 

1832.  George  Covell,  Gideon  Welles.  < 

1833.  Robert  Hunt,  Sylvester  Blish. 

1834.  Gideon  Welles,  Henry  Dayton. 

1835.  David  E.  Hubbard,  Gideon  Welles. 

1836.  Robert  Hunt,  Thaddeus  Welles. 


208 

1837.  Thaddeus  Welles,  Chauncey  Andrews. 

1838.  Ezra  Dayton,  Chauncey  Andrews. 

1839.  David  E.  Hubbard.  James  Killam. 

1840.  James  Killam,  Fraiy  Hale. 

1841.  Frary  Hale,  Asaliel  Hollister. 

1842.  Noah  Try  on,  David  Andrews. 

1843.  Noah  Tryon,  David  Andrews. 

1844.  Henry  Dayton,  Nathan  Pierson. 

1845.  Thaddeus  Welles,  Daniel  H.  Stevens. 

1846.  Nathan  Pierson,  Daniel  H.  Stevens. 

1847.  Thaddeus  Welles,  Charles  Treat. 

1848.  Thaddeus  Welles,  James  Alger. 

1849.  Ralph  Crane,  Edward  Hale. 

1850.  Horace  Talcott,  Henry  T.  Welles. 

1851.  James  Killam,  Otis  House. 

1852.  Gideon  Kinne,  Edwin  S.  Treat. 

1853.  Gideon  Kinne,  Sabin  Stocking. 


APPENDIX    VII. 

TOWN  CLERKS  OF  GLASTENBURY  FROM  THE  INCORPO- 
RATION OF  THE  TOWN  TO  THE  PRESENT  DAY. 


Eleazer  Kimberly, 
Samuel  Smith, 
Thomas  Kimberly, 
Thomas  Welles, 
William  Welles, 
JosiAH  Hale,     . 
John  Hale,    . 
Jonathan  Welles, 
Thaddeus  Welles, 
Henry  Dayton, 
Thaddeus  Welles, 
Frary  Hale,    . 
Benjamin  Taylor, 


Elected. 

Died  or  omitted. 

1692, 

1708. 

1708, 

1713. 

1713, 

1730. 

1730, 

1766. 

1766, 

178L 

.     1781, 

1804. 

1804, 

1817. 

1817, 

1829. 

1829, 

1840. 

1840, 

1841. 

1841. 

1848. 

1848, 

1850, 

1850. 

14 


APPENDIX    VIII. 
BURYING  GROUNDS. 


1692.  Old  Burying  Ground.  The  oldest  place  of  burial  in  town,  is  that 
called  the  "  Old  Burying  Ground,"  being  in  part,  land  given  by  John  Hub- 
bard and  Samuel  Smith  in  1692,  for  that,  and  the  purposes  of  a  Meeting 
House  Green. 

1733.  Easthury  Old  Burying  Grow^d,  in  the  woods.  Some  time  subse- 
(|uent  to  the  building  of  the  Meeting  House,  the  town  gave  Eastbury  two 
acres  of  common  land  which  was  laid  out  for  a  Burying  Ground,  near  where 
the  Meeting  House  was  originally  built.  Before  this  the  people  of  Eastbury 
buried  in  the  old  society,  where  lie  the  remains  of  the  two  first  ministers  of 
that  parish.  When  the  Meeting  House  was  removed  in  1820,  this  burying 
place  was  partially  abandoned  for  the  one  near  the  new  Meeting  House. 

177G.  South  Burying  Ground.  This  year  the  town  bought  a  piece  of 
land  of  Jehiel  Goodrich,  on  the  top  of  the  hill  below  Roaring  Brook,  for  a 
Burying  Ground,  paying  forty  shillings  an  acre.  The  first  digger  of  graves 
in  this  yard,  was  the  man  of  whom  the  land  was  purchased.  The  second 
was  his  son  Edward,  who  still  continues  to  discharge  that  duty.  The  first 
person  buried  in  the  yard  was  a  Matson,  and  is  so  entered  on  the  tomb-stone. 
Fourteen  who  have  committed  suicide,  lie  buried  here. 

1810.  Wassuc.  Burying  Ground.  This  Burying  Ground  was  established 
about  the  time  of  building  the  Church,  which  was  in  1810. 

1823.  Center  Burying  Ground.  This  yard  was  established  as  a  Society 
Burying  Ground  in  1823,  half  of  an  acre  of  land  having  been  purchased  for 
that  purpose.  The  first  person  buried  in  the  yard  was  Ellen  Hubbard,  Sep- 
tember l.'itli,  1824,  and  is  so  entered  on  the  grave-stone. 

Special  rules  and  regulations  in  regard  to  this  ground,  were  adopted  in 
1844,  and  confirmed  by  the  Legislature  in  1845. 

1820.  Eastbury  New  Burying  Ground,  near  the  Meeting  House.  This 
ground  seems  to  have  been  established  about  the  time  mentioned,  and  has 
since  been  the  principal  place  of  burial  in  that  society. 


211 

Bunjing  Ground,  near  the  residence  of  Leonard  E.  Hale,  Esq. 

This  ground  is  a  small  yard,   establislied  some  yeais  since,  for  the  conve- 
nience of  a  few  families  in  that  vicinity. 

1845.  Nipsic  Burying  Ground.  Another  small  yard  in  the  east  part  of 
this  town,  was  opened  about  eight  years  ago,  and  is  near  the  school  house  in 
that  district.    It  is  small,  and  intended  to  accotnmodate  but  a  few  families. 


APPENDIX   IX. 


CENSUS  OF  CONNECTICUT. 


Year. 

Population. 

Year. 

Population. 

1671, 

2,050 

1790, 

.     238,141 

1676,     . 

2,306 

1800,    . 

251,002 

1677, 

2,365 

1810, 

.     262,042 

1678,    . 

2,490 

1820,    . 

275,202 

1679, 

2,509 

1830, 

.     297,675 

1756,    . 

130,611 

1840,     . 

309,978 

1774, 

.     197,365 

1850, 

.     371,982 

1782,    . 

209,150 

CENSUS   OF   GLASTENBURY. 

Tear. 

Population. 

Year. 

Population. 

1790,   . 



1830,   . 

.     2,980 

1800, 

2,718 

1840, 

3,077 

1810,   . 

.     2,766 

1850,   . 

.     3,390 

1820, 

3,114 

MEMBERS   OF   THE   STATE   SENATE. 


1833.  Hon.  David  E.  Hubbard. 

1840.  Hon.  Solomon  Cole. 

1844.  Hon.  George  Plummer. 

1851.  Hon.  George  Plumnier. 


JUDGES  OF  THE  COUNTY  COURT. 


Hon.  David  E.  Hubbard,  Assistant  Judge  several  years. 
Hon.  George  Merrick,  Esq.,  Chief  Judge  for  several  years. 


APPENDIX   X. 

NATIVES  AND   CITIZENS    OF   GLASTENBURY  WHO  HAVE 

BEEN    GRADUATED  AT  ANY  PUBLIC  INSTITUTION  OF 

LEARNING,  OR   BEEN   REGULARLY  ADMITTED  TO 

ANY  OF  THE  LEARNED  PROFESSIONS. 


Brace,  Jonathan  Kimberley,  Esq.,  son  of  Jonathan  Brace,  Esq., 
of  Glastenbury,  who  married  the  widow  of  Thomas  Kimberly,  was  graduated 
at  Yale,  1801,  and  immediately  after  entered  upon  the  study  of  Law,  which 
profession  with  its  usual  attendants  of  public  business,  has  occupied  his  life. 
He  has  held  many  prominent  posts  in  the  city  of  Hartford.  The  Rev.  Jona- 
than Brace  of  IVIilford,  is  son  of  this  man. 

Brainard,  Edwin  S.,  son  of  Oliver  Brainard,  Esq.,  Glastenbury,  was 
graduated  at  Trinity,  1842.  He  has  been  a  successful  teacher  for  many 
years,  but  is  now  pursuing  the  study  of  Medicine. 

BuLKLEY,  Rev.  John,  son  of  Hon.  and  Rev.  Gershom  Bulkley,  M.  D.. 
was  graduated  at  Harvard  1699,  and  settled  at  Colchester.  For  a  further 
account  of  this  man,  see  p.  41. 

Coleman,  Doct.  Asa,  son  of  Doct.  Asaph  Coleman  of  Glastenbury,  b. 
July  2,  1 788,  received  a  Diploma  from  the  Connecticut  Medical  Society  in 
1810,  authorizing  and  empowering  him  to  pursue  the  practice  of  Medicine. 
He  immediately  removed  to  Ohio,  where  he  has  since  resided,  at  Troy, 
Miami  County.  He  has  been  a  Representative  of  his  County  several  times, 
and  Associate  Judge  five  years. 

[Coleman,  Doct.  Asaph,  father  of  the  preceding,  was  a  native  of 
Colchester,  admitted  to  the  practice  of  Medicine  by  the  Conn.  Med.  Soc.  in 
1774,  settled  in  Glastenbury,  married  Elizabeth  HoUister,  Nov.  11,  1778, 
was  twice  Surgeon  in  the  Revolutionary  army,  (1)  under  Col.  Thomas  Bel- 
den,  and  (2)  under  Col.  Howel  Woodbridge.  He  was  a  Representative  to 
the  General  Assembly  several  times.     He  died  Nov.  15,  1820,  aged  73.] 

Dean,  Rev.  Philotus,  son  of  Amos  Dean,  b.  Oct.  29,  1822,  was  grad- 
uated at  Yale,  1843.  He  studied  Theology  and  has  since  been  engaged  in 
a  College  for  the  education  of  Negroes,  in  Western  Pennsylvania.^ 


214 

Dean,  Rev.  Sidney,  mn  of  Amos  Dean,  b.  Nov.  16,  1818,  was  admit- 
ted Preacher  by  the  Methodist  Conference,  1843  ;  or  was  admitted  by  the 
proper  authority  between  the  sessions  of  1842  and  1843.  He  has  since  been 
officiating  in  connection  with  the  Conference,  with  one  brief  exception. 

Eells,  Rev.  James,  son  of  Rev.  James  Eells,  was  graduated  at  Yale, 
1799.  He  studied  Theology,  and  after  preaching  several  years  in  Western 
New  York,  commenced  teaching,  and  pursued  it  until  his  age  induced  bun  to 
relinquish  it. 

Eells,  Rogee,  Esq.,  son  of  Rev.  John  Eells,  was  graduated  at  Yale, 
1785.     He  studied  Law  and  commenced  practice,  but  died  in  Sept.,  1790. 

FoOTE,  Rev.  David,  graduated  at  Dartmouth,  1778.  After  studying 
Theology  and  preaching  several  years  as  a  Congregationalist,  he  became  an 
Episcopalian,  and  receiving  Holy  Orders,  he  was  settled  at  Rye,  where  he  died. 

Goodrich,  Rev.  Nelson,  son  of  Edward  Goodrich,  b.  June  13,  1816, 
was  admitted  to  preach  in  1843,  and  has  since  been  laboring  under  the  di- 
rection of  the  Conference. 

GosLEE,  DocT.  James  Pierpont,  son  of  James  Goslee,  b.  Aug.  24, 
1806,  was  admitted  to  practice  by  the  proper  authorities.  He  removed  to 
Pratt's  Hollow,  a  village  in  the  Town  of  Easton,  N.  Y.,  1834.  He  died  Dec. 
27,  1850- 

GosLEE,  DocT.  Thomas,  son  of  Timothy  Goslee,  b.  Sept.  10,  1772, 
after  pursuing  study  with  Doct.  Asaph  Coleman,  was  admitted  to  the  practice 
of  Medicine  by  the  proper  authorities,  about  1796,  and  soon  after  removed 
to  Hamilton,  in  the  State  of  New  York.     He  died  Aug.  1,  1832. 

Hale,  Rev.  Albert,  son  of  Matthew,  was  graduate  at  Yale,  1827, 
and  has  since  been  Pastor  of  a  Presbyterian  Church  at  the  West.  He  is 
now  at  Springfield,  Illinois. 

Hale,  Doct.  Elizur,  son  of  Jonathan  Hale,  was  graduated  at  Yale, 
1742,  studied  medicine  and  settled  in  his  native  Town.  He  died  May  27th, 
1790,  in  the  66th  year  of  his  age,  having  been  in  practice  forty-four  years. 
He  once  represented  the  Town  in  General  Assembly. 

Hale,  Doct.  Elizur,  (2d,)  of  whom  we  only  know  that  he  was  prob- 
ably son  of  the  preceding,  and  died  Dec.  26, 1796,  at  what  age  is  not  known. 

Hale,  W.  Elias,  Esq.,  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1794,  studied  Law,  and 
pursued  the  practice  of  the  profession  until  his  death,  Feb.  3,  1832,  in  the 
57th  year  of  his  age. 

[Hale,  Reuben  C,  Esq.,  son  of  the  preceding,  was  educated  at  Capt. 
Partridge's  A.  L.  and  S.  Academy,  spending  two  years  at  Yale.  He  studied 
and  pursued  the  profession  of  his  father  until  appointed  Surveyor  of  the  Port 
of  Philadelphia,  in  April,  1853.] 

[Hale,  Doct.  Elias  W.,  brother  of  the  preceding,  is  a  graduate  of  the 
Penn.  Medical  Institution,  and  resides  at  Lewistown.] 

Hale,  Josiah,  son  of  Benjamin  Hale,  b.  January  27,  1747,  after  being 


215 

graduated  at  Yale,  17G5,  returned  to  his  native  place,  and  gave  his  attention 
to  the  cultivation  of  his  farm.  He  was  for  many  years  Town  Clerk,  and  filled 
many  other  offices  in  the  gift  of  the  Town.  He  represented  the  Town  in 
General  Assembly  several  times. 

Hill,  Rf,v%  Israel,  son  of  Jared  Hills,  b.  Oct.  12,  1801,  was  gi-aduated 
at  Amherst,  in  1830,  and  at  Andover  three  years  later.  He  is  a  Congrega- 
tional Minister,  settled  at  Dixmont,  M^ne. 

Hills,  Doct.  Samuel  Augden,  son  of  Deacon  Chester  Hills,  b.  March 
21,  1821,  is  a  Physician.  After  being  admitted  to  practice,  he  removed  to 
Harlem,  N.  Y.,  where  he  still  resides. 

Hollister,  Rev.  Edward,  son  of  Joseph,  was  graduated  at  Middle- 
bury,  Vt.,  1816,  and  at  Andover,  Mass.,  1820.  He  has  since  been  engaged 
in  the  duties  of  his  profession  at  the  West. 

Hollister,  Shelton,  Esq.,  son  of  Benjamin  Hollister,  was  graduated, 
at  Yale,  in  1848,  studied  Law,  and  settled  at  St  Paul's,  Minnesota. 

HuunARD,  Rev.  Anson,  son  of  David  Hubbard,  b.  May  24,  1791,  was 
graduated  at  Yale,  1817,  and  has  since  been  a  Congregational  Minister,  offi- 
ciating principally  in  New  Hampshire. 

Hubbard,  David,  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1721. 

Hubbard,  Rev.  Jonathan,  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1724.  "WTiat  we 
know  of  his  history  is  given  on  p.  71. 

Kimberley,  Thomas,  Esq.,  (probably  son  of  Samuel,)  born  1747,  was 
graduated  at  Yale,  1766.  He  was  so  badly  wounded  by  the  blowing  up  of 
the  powder  mill  at  Nayaug,  Aug.  23,  1777,  that  he  died  the  day  following. 
See  Remarks  of  Judge  Merrick  in  Report  of  Proceedings. 

Maffitt,  Rev.  John  Newland,  a  native  of  Ireland,  resident  some 
time  in  Eastbury,  commenced  his  career  as  preacher  while  residing 
there.  He  was  admitted  to  preach  by  the  Conference  at  that  time,  as  is 
supposed. 

Moseley,  Doct.  Isaac,  son  of  —  Moseley,  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1762. 
He  pursued  the  study  of  Medicine  and  commenced  practice  in  Glastenburv. 
His  partialities  for  the  British  cause  in  the  Revolution,  led  to  his  subsequent 
removal  to  England,  where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  days.  He  pub- 
lished a  treatise  o§  some  topic  connected  with  his  profession,  which  was  held 
in  good  repute  by  the  members  of  the  same  profession.  He  was  also  one  of 
the  Representatives  of  the  Town  to  the  General  Assembly. 

Moseley,  Jonathan  O.,  Esq.,  son  of  Doct.  Thomas  Moseley,  was 
graduated  at  Yale,  1 780,  He  studied  Law,  and  settled  at  Haddam.  He 
was  a  Member  of  the  House  of  Representatives  in  the  United  States  Con- 
gress, from  1805  to  1821. 

Plummer,  Deacon  George,  Esq.,  son  of  Isaac  Plummer,  b.  1785, 
was  graduated  at  Yale,  1804.  He  studied  Law,  and  commenced  practice  in 
his  native  place,  but  relinquished  it  upon  the   death  of  his  father.     He  has 


216 

been  many  years  Deacon  in  the  First  Congregational  Church.  See  Remarks 
of  Judge  Merrick  in  Report  of  Proceedings. 

Plummer,  Kev.  Isaac  William,  son  of  the  preceding,  b.  Sept.  19, 
1812,  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1832.  He  studied  Theology,  and  has  been  en- 
gaged in  the  duties  of  his  profession,  whenever  his  health  would  permit. 

Smith,  Joseph,  graduated  at  Yale,  1719,  is  supposed  not  to  have  studied 
a  profession,  but  to  have  led  the  life.of  a  general  student,  all  his  days.  He 
is  reported  to  have  had  an  unusually  large  library  for  those  days,  and  to 
have  derived  most  of  his  pleasure  from  it. 

Smith,  Kev.  Zephaniah  Hollister,  Esq.,  son  of  Isaac  Smith,  b. 
Aug.  19,  1758,  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1782.  He  pursued  Theology,  and 
was  settled  over  the  Congregational  Church  at  Newtown.  Having  changed 
his  views  of  Christian  doctrine,  he  withdrew  from  the  Parish  and  returned  to 
Glastenbury.  Here  he  went  into  trade  for  a  short  time,  but  soon  studied 
Law,  and  practiced  it  in  this  Town  until  his  death,  which  took  place  Feb.  1, 
1836,  aged  77. 

Stocking,  Rev.  Sabura  S.         "1      These  persons  were  all  sons  of 
Stocking,  Rev.  Selah.  |  Rev.  Jeremiah  Stocking,  and  all  were 

Stocking,  Rev.  Servilius.  |- clergymen.     A  general  notice  of  all 

Stocking,  Rev.  Solon.  j  is  given  in  the  account  of  the  father, 

Stocking,  Rev.  Sophronius  H.J  in  the  history  of  the  Methodist 
Church  in  East  Glastenbury. 

Stocking,  Doct.  Sabin,  son  of  the  same,  was  admitted  to  practice  by 
the  Medical  Society  of  Connecticut,  and  settled  in  his  native  place. 

Strong,  Prof.  Theodore,  son  of  Rev.  Joseph  Strong  of  Eastbury, 
was  graduated  at  Yale,  and  has  since  distinguished  himself  as  one  of  the  first 
Mathematicians  of  the  day. 

Talcott,  Gen.  George,  a  graduate  of  West  Point.     See  p.  169. 

Taylor,  Rev.  Joseph  Pemberton,  son  of  Mr.  Samuel  Taylor,  was 
graduated  at  Trinity,  1843,  and  at  the  General  Theological  Seminary  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  three  years  after.  He  soon  after  took  Orders 
and  has  since  been  laboring  in  the  duties  of  his  profession,  first  in  Connecti- 
cut, but  since  in  Pennsylvania. 

Treat,  Rev.  Charles,  son  of  Thomas  Treat,  of  Nayaug,  b.  Feb.,  1696, 
was  graduated  in  1722.  He  studied  divinity  and  preacfted  for  a  time,  but 
marrying  a  wife  possessed  of  large  estates,  he  relinquished  his  profession  and 
confined  himself  to  agriculture. 

Treat,  Rev.  Richard,  son  of  Thomas  Treat,  of  Nayaug,  b.  May,  1694, 
was  graduated  at  Yale,  1725.  He  also  studied  Theology,  but  little  of  his 
subsequent  history  is  known. 

Tryon,  Doct.  Joseph,  is  not  at  first  called  by  this  title  in  our  records. 
Whether  he  subsequently  pursued  study  with  Doct.  Bulkley,  as  he  might 
have  done,  we  are  not  informed.  There  are  presumptions  that  he  did  so,  of 
which  the  general  application  of  the  title  to  him  afterwards,  in  matters  of 
public  record,  is  a  very  strong  one. 


217 

Weli.ks,  IIenky  Titus,  son  of  Jonathan  Welles,  Esq.,  was  gradua- 
ted at  Trinity,  1843.  He  became  a  candidate  for  Holy  Orders,  but  ill  health 
compelled  him  to  relinquish  the  study.  He  has  represented  the  Town  in 
General  Assembly. 

Weli.es,  Jonathan,  son  of  Thomas  Welles,  b.  Aug.  9,  1732,  was  grad- 
uated at  Yale,  1751,  and  was  subsequently  a  Tutor  in  the  same  institution. 
He  returned  to  his  native  place,  and  devoted  himself  to  his  farm.  He  ever 
occupied  a  prominent  place  in  public  affairs,  and  represented  the  Town  in 
General  Assembly  a  great  number  of  sessions.  He  died  January  27,  1792, 
in  the  60th  year  of  his  age. 

Welles,  Roswell,  Esq.,  son  of  the  preceding,  b.  Aug.  20,  1761,  was 
graduated  at  Yale  1 784.  He  studied  law  and  settled  in  Wilkesbarre,  Penn., 
where  he  was  a  Judge  for  several  years. 

Welles,  William,  son  of  William,  b.  Nov.  22,  1754,  was  graduated  at 
Yale,  1779. 

Welles,  Rev.  Samuel,  son  of  Samuel,  b.  Dec.  24,  1689,  was  gradua- 
ted at  Yale,  1707.  He  studied  Theology,  and  preached  for  a  time,  but  his 
own,  and  especially  his  wife's  estate  being  large,  he  resigned  his  Parish,  went 
to  Boston  to  live,  where  he  accumulated  much  more.  He  died  May  20, 1 770. 
It  has  already  been  remarked,  that  Samuel  Welles,  the  rich  banker  at 
Paris,  was  his  son. 

Wheat,  Rev.  Abijah  C,  a  native  of  Glastenbury,  was  admitted  preacher 
among  the  Methodists,  in  1835. 

Wheat,  Elder,  Doct.  Solomon,  was  a  Doctor,  and  a  Preacher 
among  the  Baptists,  but  whether  he  ever  received  licence  for  either,  or  had 
taken  them  up  on  his  own  authority  and  account,  we  have  not  ascertained. 

White,  Rev.  Henry,  was  graduated  at  Williams  College,  1812,  studied 
Theology  and  preached  for  several  years,  but  is  now  dead. 

,  WooDBRiDGE,  Rev.  Samuel,  graduated  at  Yale,  1763,  was  son  of  the 
Rev.  Ashbel.     His  history  is  given  in  connection  with  that  of  Eastbury. 

Woodbridge,  Rev.  Timothy,  graduated  at  Yale,  1765,  was  son  of  the 
same,  and  his  history  has  been  given  in  brief  in  connection  with  that  of  his 
father. 

Woodbridge, -Rev.  William,  graduated  at  Yale,  1765,  was  also  son 
of  the  same,  and  a  general  account  of  his  hfe  has  been  given  in  connection 
with  his  father's  family. 

[Woodbridge,  Rev.  Wm.  C,  son  of  the  preceding,  graduated  at  Yale, 
1811,  the  Geographer,  is  also  spoken  of  in  the  same  place.] 

Wright,  Rev.  James  L.,  son  of  Joseph  Wright,  was  graduated  at  Yale, 
1832.  He  studied  Theology,  and  is  now  engaged  in  the  duties  of  his  pro- 
fession as  a  Congregational  Minister. 

Wright,  Deac.  Joseph,  son  of  James,  b.  Sept.,  1 785,  was  graduated  at 
Yale,  1801.     On  his  return  from  College,  he  devoted  himself  to  agriculture, 


218 

which  he  continues  to  the  present  time.     He  is  one  of  the  Deacons  of  the 
First  Congregational  Church. 

Wright,  Rev.  William  S.,  son  of  the  preceding,  and  brother  of  the 
one  next  preceding,  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1839.  He  studied  Theology, 
and  is  devoting  himself  to  the  duties  of  his  profession,  as  a  Congregational 
Minister. 


6Ia$tc«l)iir]| 


CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION, 


MAY  18,   1853. 


ORDER  OF  EXERCISES ; 


CONTAINING 


THE  PRAYERS  OFFERED,  HYMNS  SUNG,  SENTIMENTS  GIVEN,  AND 

SPEECHES  MADE,  SO  FAR  AS  REPORTS  OF  THEM 

COULD  BE  OBTAINED. 


iJlttbUgljclr  bn  ©rbcr  of  tl)c  Citi^^cns. 


At  a  meeting  of  the  citizens  of  Glastenbury,  held  on  Monday  evening, 
May  23d,  1853,  it  was— 

Voted,  That  the  Kev.  A.  B.  Chapin,  Edwin  Crosby  and  James  B.  Wil- 
liams, be  a  Committee  to  report  the  proceedings  of  the  late  Centennial 
Celebration,  and  that  they  be  directed  to  publish  the  same,  with  the  discourse, 
or  separate,  in  pamphlet  form,  as  they  think  best. 


PROCEEDINGS. 


At  a  town  meeting  held  at  Glastenbury  on  the  first  Monday  of  October, 
1851,  it  was — 

Voted,  That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  make  arrangements  for  a  Cen- 
tennial Celebration  to  be  held  in  the  Spring  or  Summer  of  1853. 

Whereupon,  the  following  gentlemen,  descendants  of  the  early  settlers  of 
the  town,  were  appointed  : 

John  A.  Hale,  Esq.,  Chairman,  a  descendant  of  Samuel  Hale,  Thomas 
Welles,  John  Talcott,  John  Edwards,  etc.,  early  settlers  of  Wethersfield  and 
Glastenbury,  and  landholders  in  Glastenbury. 

Thaddeus  Welles,  Esq.,  a  descendant  of  Thomas  Welles,  Thomas 
Kilborn,  Samuel  Hale,  etc.,  early  settlers  of  Wethersfield  and  Glastenbury, 
and  landholders  in  Glastenbury. 

Deac.  George  Plummer,  a  descendant  of  Thomas  Welles,  through  the 
Sheltons  of  Stratford,  and  Ebenezer  Plummer,  Esq.,  who  came  here  from 
Boston,  a  century  ago. 

Deac.  Josepu  Wright,  a  descendant  of  Thomas  Wright,  Robert  Rose, 
Samuel  Hale,  etc.,  early  settlers  in  Wethersfield  and  Glastenbury,  and  land- 
holders in  Glastenbury. 

Andrew  Talcott  Hale,  a  descendant  from  Samuel  Hale,  Thomas 
Kilborn,  John  Talcott  and  John  IloUister,  etc.,  early  setders  in  Wethers- 
field and  Glastenbury,  and  landholders  in  Glastenbury. 

Jared  G.  Talcott,  a  descendant  of  John  Talcott,  John  HoUister, 
Thomas  Wright,  etc.,  early  settlers  in  Wethersfield  and  Glastenbury,  and 
landholders  in  Glastenbury. 

Henry  Titus  Welles,  Esq.,  a  descendant  of  the  Governors,  Thomas 
Welles,  Joseph  Haynesand  Gurdon  Saltonstall,  the  first  of  whom  was  a  land- 
holder in  Glastenbury.  ""    "^ 


222 

Henry  Dayton,  Esq.,  a  descendant  of  George  Hubbard,  one  of  the 
original  proprietors  of  the  Naubuc  Farms,  and  who  was  the  ancestor  of  all 
of  the  name  in  town.  Also,  from  William  House,  one  of  the  petitioners  for 
the  incorporation  of  Glastenbury.  The  Dayton  family  came  to  this  countr}- 
about  a  century  ago. 

Charles  Hollister,  a  descendant  of  John  Hollister,  Thomas  Welles, 
Richard  Treat,  Mr.  Goodrich,  etc.,  early  settlers  of  Wethersfield  and  Glas- 
tenbury, and  landholders  in  Glastenbury. 

Edwin  S.  Treat,  a  descendant  of  Richard  Treat. 

Leonard  E.  Hale,  a  descendant  of  Samuel  Hale. 

WiLLARD  E.  Howe,  a  descendant  of  John  Howe,  who  came  to  Glasten- 
bury something  more  than  a  century  ago,  and  also  of  John  Hollister,  one  of 
the  original  proprietors  and  settlers. 

At  a  meeting  of  this  Committee,  held  April  12th,  1852,  it  was — 

Resolved,  That  the  18th  of  May,  1653,  being  the  day  when  the  first  cor- 
porate power  was  bestowed  upon  the  people  on  this  side  of  the  Connecticut 
river,  the  18th  of  May,  1853,  was  the  proper  day  for  such  celebration,  and 
that  it  be  held  on  that  day. 

At  the  same  meeting — 

Voted,  That  the  Rev.  A.  B.  Chapin,  of  Glastenbury,  be  requested  to  pre- 
pare an  Historical  Discourse  to  be  delivered  on  the  occasion.     Also — 

Voted,  That  Messrs.  John  A.  Hale,  Thaddeus  Welles,  Andrew  T.  Hale, 
Henry  T.  Welles,  Charles  Hollister,  and  Willard  E.  Howe,  be  appointed  a 
Committee  to  aid  Mr.  C.  in  the  collection  of  materials  for  a  complete  history 
of  the  town. 

The  appointment  of  the  Committee  having  been  accepted  by  Mr.  Chapin, 
circulars  were  sent  to  all  parts  of  the  country  where  the  descendants  of  the 
first  settlers  of  Glastenbury  were  known  to  reside,  informing  them  of  what 
had  been  undertaken,  soliciting  their  cooperation,  and  asking  information  on 
points  touching  the  history  of  the  town  or  families.  As  the  time  of  the  cele- 
bration approached,  meetings  of  the  citizens  were  held,  and  Committees  ap- 
pointed to  make  preparations  for  the  public  entertainment  of  such  as  might 
be  present  on  that  occasion,  and  proper  officers  to  direct  and  preside  at  the 
time. 

At  length  the  day  arrived  and  was  all  that  could  be  wished.  The  ground 
was  dry,  the  air  warm,  and  the  sun  overshadowed  through  the  day,  rendering 
it  safe  and  comfortable  for  persons  of  all  ages,  sexes  and  descriptions,  to  re- 
pair to  "the  Meeting  House  Green,"  there  to  listen  to  the  discourse  of  the 
Orator,  under  the  large,  (but  on  this  occasion,  not  ample)  tent  belonging  to 
Yale  College,  which  had  been  kindly  loaned  for  this  purpose,  or  regale  them- 
selves upon  the  abounding  luxuries  which  had  been  provided  for  the  celebra- 


223 

lion.     The  d;iy  was  ushered  in  by  the  firing  of  a  National  Salute  of  thirty- 
one  guns,  and  the  merry  peal  of  all  the  church  bells. 

In  accordance  with  an  invitation  from  the  inhabitants  of  the  town,  to  all 
who  were  descendants  of  the  settlers  of  Glastenbury,  to  meet  with  them  in  a 
happy  reunion  on  this  occasion,  a  great  crowd  was  gathered  together,  who 
were  welcomed  home  with  open  arras  and  happy  hearts,  by  the  present  resi- 
dents of  this  ancient  town.  At  a  very  early  hour  of  the  day,  the  people  of  the 
adjacent  towns  came  pouring  in,  to  mingle  their  joys  with  those  of  their 
friends  and'  neighbors.  All  sectional,  sectarian  and  selfish  feelings  were  laid 
aside,  and  all  entered  into  the  matter  with  zeal.  The  generous  hospitality 
of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  was  exemplified  on  this  occasion.  Every  house 
was  thrown  open,  and  every  visitor,  whether  an  acquaintance  or  a  stranger, 
was  welcomed.  At  every  fresh  arrival,  little  groups  of  friends  could  be  seen, 
shaking  hands  and  congratulating  each  other  on  their  safe  arrival  and  the 
enjoyment  of  health,  and  we  doubt  if  there  ever  was  gathered  together  a 
crowd,  estimated  at  from  six  to  seven  thousand  people,  as  there  was  here, 
where  every  countenance  beamed  with  smiles,  and  every  lip  spoke  such  a 
hearty  welcome. 

At  10  o'clock,  A.  M.,  a  Procession  was  formed  in  front  of  the  North  Con- 
gregational Church,  under  the  direction  of  Henry  Dayton,  Esq.,  Chief 
Marshall,  assisted  by  Col.  Guy  Samson,  Edwin  Crosby,  Charles  Hol- 
LisTER,  Joseph  Strickland,  Willard  E.  Howe,  Edwin  Hubbard, 
F.  L.  BuELL,  D.  L.  Hubbard  and  Elisha  Hollister,  in  the  following 
order : 

Hartford  Brass  Band. 
Naubuc  Guards,  Capt.  Goodale. 
School  Boys  in  uniform,  each  bearing  a  flag   with  the  Indian  name 
^of  Naubuc  painted  thereon. 
A  beautiful  and  appropriate  banner  painted  for  the  occasion  by 
John  H.  Taylor,  Esq. 
Company  in  Ancient  Uniform  under  the  command  of  Col.  Elijah  Miller. 
Mr.  William  S.  Williams  on  Horseback,  in  costume  of  the  seventeenth  cen- 
tury, accompanied  by  Mrs.  Mary  Perkins  seated  on  the  pillion, 
after  the  old  style,  and  dressed  in  a  corresponding 
antiquated  and  ancient  costume. 
Next  to  them,  came  Mr,  and  Mrs.  John  Dayton 
on  horseback,  in  riding  dress  of  the  present  day,  presenting  a 
contrast  extremely  interesting  and  pleasing. 
Then  followed  a  long  line  of  Ladies. 
The   Orator,  and  Officiating  Clergymen. 
President   and   Vice  President  of    the   day. 
Governor  and  State  Officers. 

Invited  Guests. 
Connecticut  Historical  Society. 


224 

The  rear  was  brought  up  by  an  immensely  long  line  of  carriages. 

The  processsion  marched  first  to  the  north,  in  order  to  obtain  room  to 
form,  then  countermarching  south,  proceeded  down  Main  street,  the  "  old 
country  road"  of  the  Naubuc  Farms,  and  to  the  east  end  of  the  "  Meeting 
House  Green,"  where  the  tent  had  been  erected,  and  where  as  many  as 
could,  obtained  seats.  Over  the  principal  entrance  to  the  tent  was  the  motto, 
*'  Welcome  Home,"  worked  in  evergreen,  the  emblem  of  undying  affection. 
Over  the  platform  of  the  Speaker  was  our  State  motto,  "  Qui  transtulit  stis- 
tinet"  similarly  wrought.  Other  appropriate  mottoes  decorated  other  por 
tions  of  the  tent. 

The  services  of  the  day  were  commenced  by  the  choir,  under  the  direction 
of  John  "W.  Smith,  aided  by  the  Band,  by  singing  the  following 

HYMN. 
IVords  altered  from  M.  S.   Pike.      Air — Home  Again. 

Welcome  home  !   Welcome  home  ! 

From  a  distant  land, 
And  oh  it  fills  our  hearts  with  joy, 

To  meet  this  kindred  band. 

Here  we  dropp'd  the  parting  tear 

When  first  you  left  to  roam, 
But  now  you're  once  again  with  those 

Who  kindly  greet  you  home. 

Happy  hearts!  Happy  hearts! 

With  mine  have  laughed  in  glee, 
But  oh  the  friends  I  loved  in  youth 

Seem  happier  to  me  : 

And  if  your  guide  decree  a  fate. 

Which  bids  you  longer  roam, 
Yet  death  alone,  can  break  the  tie, 

Linked  with  our  friends  from  home. 

Music  soft !  Music  sweet! 

Lingers  round  the  place, 
And  oh,   I  feel  the  childhood  charm, 

That  time  cannot  efface. 

Then  welcome  to  your  homestead  roof, 

Although  no  palace  dome  ; 
And  we  will  spend  this  hai^py  day 

With  those  we  love  at  home. 

PRAYER, 

By  Rev.  James  Allwood  Smith,  Pastor  of  the  First   Congregational 
Church,  "  Old"  Glastenbury. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  Heaven,  hallowed  be  thy  name.  We  adore  thee 
as  the  God  of  Creation  and  Providence.  In  thee  we  move  and  live  and  have 
our  being,  and  by  the  word  of  thy  power  do  all  things  consist.  We  bless 
thee,  that  thou  hast  revealed  thyself  to  us  in  thy  word  and  made  us  acquaint- 
ed with  thy  redeeming  love  in  Christ  Jesus,  thy  only  beloved  Son,  and  hast 


225 

provided  us  in  the  Holy  Ghost  whom  thou  hast  sent  into  the  world,  a  sanc- 
tificr,  comforter  and  guide.  We  humbly  ask  thy  presence  and  bli'ssing  on 
this  interestiufi;  oceasion.  We  rejoice  in  tliee  as  tlie  God  of  our  Fathers, 
and  devoutly  do  we  bless  thee,  for  that  kind  Providence  with  which  thou  didst 
guide  them  to  the  shores  of  this  our  New  England,  and  to  these  seats  now 
oeeu])ied  by  many  of  their  descendants ;  and  for  that  goodness  which  pro- 
tected and  sustained  them  amid  the  labors,  the  privation,  sulFerings  and  ex- 
posures of  the  wilderness ;  and  for  that  wise  spirit  of  devotion,  Avith  which 
they  were  endoAvcd,  to  the  interests  of  freedom  and  religion ;  guided  by 
which  spirit,  they  took  care,  from  the  earliest  settlement  of  this  place,  that 
the  gospel  should  be  preached  to  all  and  instruction  in  all  useful  knowledge 
should  be  provided  for  the  young.  And  we  bless  thee,  that  from  that  early 
settlement,  whose  anniversary  we  this  day  celebrate,  the  institutions  of  the 
gos[)el,  together  with  the  blessings  of  the  common  school,  have  been  enjoyed, 
with  so  much  freedom  from  interruption  or  molestation,  down  through  the 
successive  generations,  until  the  present.  May  the  remembrances  which  are 
awakened  in  us  at  this  time,  of  the  deeds  which  they  Avrought,  of  the  heroic 
fortitude  with  which  they  endured  the  trials  incident  to  the  great  enterprizc 
of  planting  those  blessed  institutions  enjoyed  by  us,  endear  their  memory  to 
us,  and  make  us  emulous  of  these  virtues,  while  they  shall  greatly  strengthen 
our  desires  to  transmit  the  inheritance  to  coming  generations.  Here  may 
the  gospel  be  preached  to  all ;  sound  knowledge  and  useful  learning  be 
taught  to  the  young,  and  civil  and  religious  freedom  be  enjoyed  through  all 
coming  time,  and  each  generation  as  they  come  upon  the  stage  of  life,  act  their 
part  wisely  and  devotedly,  in  promoting  human  welfare  and  the  great  inter- 
ests of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  in  the  earth. 

Bless  all  persons  assembled  on  this  occasion,  those  who  have  had  their 
birth  here  ;  those  who  have  become  adopted  citizens  of  the  place.  Bless  our 
invited  guests,  with  all  who  have  sought  to  promote  the  enjoyment  and  profit 
of  the  anniversary.  May  it  please  thee  to  regard  our  Governor,  with  all  who 
are  associated  with  him  in  the  exercise  of  legislative,  judicial,  or  executive 
authority,  that  through  their  wisdom  and  fiiithfulness,  freedom  and  good  order 
and  prosperity  may  abound  among  the  people,  and  the  affairs  of  our  happy 
Commonwealth  receive  no  detriment.  May  the  smiles  of  Providence  rest 
upon  all  branches  of  industry  and  honest  labor  among  the  people.  May  the 
blessing  of  God  be  on  all  who  pray  for  the  prosperity  of  religion  and  virtue  ; 
on  all  who  labor  in  the  cause  of  Christian  philanthrophy.  May  the  spirit  be 
poured  out  from  on  High,  purifying  His  Church  and  people,  invigorating 
their  graces  and  strengthening  them  for  every  good  work,  and  securing  us 
from  every  incoming  flood  of  iniquity.  And  may  the  knowledge  of  Christ  to 
all,  be  the  savor  of  life  unto  life. 

We  pray  for  our  common  country ;  thanking  thee  for  all  our  prosperity, 
and  for  all  the  success  thus  far  attending  our  free  institutions  as  they  have 
been  extended  over  this  Avidely  spreading  land.  We  commend  to  thy  gra- 
cious notice,  the  Chief  Magistrate  of  the  nation.  Endue  him  with  all  grace 
and  wisdom  for  the  responsibilities  of  his  exalted  station.  May  peace  and 
charity,  civil  subordination  and  order,  ever  prevail  within  our  borders.  Avert 
pestilence,  spare  deserved  judgments.  Remove  every  yoke,  and  let  the  op- 
pressed go  free.  Incline  all  to  be  mei'ciful,  even  as  their  Father  in  Heaven 
is  merciful,  and  to  forgive  as  He  forgives.  May  our  National  Union  be  pre- 
served, and  our  liberty  be  kept  inviolate.  May  we  dwell  in  peace  with  all 
the  nations  of  the  earth.  Cause  that  our  civil  and  religious  blessings  may  be 
everywhere  possessed  and  enjoyed.  Hear  the  sighing  of  the  prisoners  in  all 
lands.  Remember  those  who  are  2)ersecuted  for  righteousness'  sake ;  who  are 
crushed  by  despotic  power;  who  wear  out  their  days  under  systems  of  un- 
righteous servitude ;  who  pant  for  the  pure  air  of  civil  and  religious  free- 
dom.    Speed  on  the  day  of  their  deliverance.     Bring  all  people  to  know 

15 


226 

thee  and  Jesus  Christ  whom  thou  sent, — "  whom  to  know  is  Life  Eternal." 
Let  thy  kingdom  come,  and  thy  will  be  done  on  Earth  as  it  is  done  in  Heaven, 
and  the  glory  shall  be  given  to  thee,  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

SINGING— Hymn. 

Tune. — Land  of  our  Fathers. 

Land  of  our  Fathers  ;  wheresoe'er  we  roam, 
Land  of  our  birth  !  to  us  thou  still  art  home ; 
Peace  and  prosperity  on  thy  sons  attend, 
Down  to  jiosterity  their  intluence  descend. 

All  then  inviting,  hearts  and  voices  joining, 
Sing  we  in  harmony  our  native  land, 
Our  native  land.  Our  native  land. 
Our  native  land.  Our  native  land. 

Though  other  climes  may  brighter  hopes  fulfil, 
Land  of  our  birth  !  we  ever  love  thee  still ! 
Heav'n  shield  our  happy  home,  from  each  hostile  band, 
Freedom  and  plenty  ever  crown  our  native  land. 

All  then  inviting,  hearts  and  voices  joining. 
Sing  we  in  harmony  our  native  land. 
Our  native  land.  Our  native  land. 
Our  native  land.  Our  native  land. 

HISTORICAL  DISCOURSE  by  Rev.  A.  B.  Chapin,  D.  D.,  Rector  of 
St.  Luke's  Church,  South  Glastenbury.  At  the  announcement  made  by 
the  Orator  found  on  page  37,  of  the  preceding  Discourse,  the  choir  aided 
by  the  Band  sung  as  it  were  impromptu,  the  following  Hymn  composed  for 
the  occasion. 

HYMN. 
Words  by  the  Hon.  James  Dixon. 

Air. — PleyeVs  Hymn. 

When  to  this  w^ild  forest  land. 

Wrapt  in  clouds  of  gloom  and  woe, 
Sad,  yet  firm,  the  Pilgrim  band 

Came — Two  Hundred  years  ago, — 

Bearing  from  their  native  coasts, 

Souls  that  bowed  not  to  the  yoke; 
With  the  Charter  Freedom  boasts, 

Hidden  in  their  hearts  of  Oak  ; — 

Dream'd  they  that  a  Nation  here, 

Proudest  of  the  earth  should  rise. 
Planted  in  distress  and  fear, 

'Mid  their  ceaseless  tears  and  sighs  ! 

Oh  !  could  they  have  look'd  beyond 

Years  of  anguish,  pain  and  care, 
Mnking  iron  hearts  despond. 

To  this  hour  of  praise  and  prayer, — 


227 

How  would  they  have  gazed  with  awe, 

Mingled  with  a  deep  dcli-^ht, 
Donljting  if  the  thing  tiicy  saw, 

Were  but  visions  of  tlie  night  :  * 

Meadows  green  and  happy  vales, 

Hills  with  holy  temples  crown'd, 
Rivers  white  with  snowy  sails, 

Cities  where  the  forest  frown'd  ; 

Towering  spires  and  lofty  halls, 

Rising  where  the  Indian  trod. 
And  within  these  sacred  walls. 

Praises  to  the  living  God  ! 

Unto  Him  who  brought  them  here, 

'Mid  the  gloom  of  other  days, 
We  their  chiklren  bow  m  fear, 

Otfering  thus  our  songs  of  praise. 

After  the  close  of  the  Discourse,  -which  was  delivered  rather  by  synopsisJ 
than  as  written,  and  occupied  an  hour  and  three  quarters  in  the  delivery, 
the  choir  sung  the  following  Hymn  composed  for  the  occasion. 

HYMN. 

Words  by  Mrs.  L.  H.  Sigourney. 

Air. — Auld  Lang  Syne. 

Two  hundred  years  !  Two  hundred  years! 

What  changes  have  they  seen, 
Since  the  red  hunter  chas'd  the  deer 

O'er  copse  and  valley  green. 

While  countless  cares  and  toils  were  met 

In  faith  and  patience  bold, 
Though  round  our  few  and  feeble  States 

The  appalling  war-cloud  roU'd. 

Since  o'er  yon  stream  with  stranger  sail 

A  vessel  woo'd  the  breeze. 
And  up  the  corn  sheaf  sparsely  sprang 

Among  the  fallen  trees. 

But  now, — a  Baniaii  root  they  strike, 

By  Heaven's  own  smile  ^u^.tain'd 
And  schools  and  spires  and  cities  tower 

Where  erst  ilie  Indian  reign'd. 

And  'mid  the  nations  of  the  earth 

A  noble  name  they  bear  ? 
And  homage  to  the  Power  Supreme 

Incites  their  gratei'ul  prayer. 

God  of  our  sires  ! — whose  higli  decree 

Unnumber'd  worltls  obey. 
Before  who^e  sight,  a  thousand  years 

Are  counted  as  a  day. 

Vouchsafe  to  these,  our  banded  realms 
4  That  stretch  froin  sea  to  ^ea, — 

The  diamond  shield  of  patriot  love 
And  dauntless  strength  from  Thee. 


228 

In  order  that  all  denominations  of  Christians  in  the  Town,  should  partici- 
pate in  the  services  of  the  day,  it  had  been  arranged  that  the  Rev.  Samuel 
FOx,  the  Preacher  in  charge  of  the  Methodist  Church  of  East  Glastenbury, 
should  make  the  concluding  Prayer,  -which  he  was  prevented  from  doing  by 
ill  health,  as  appears  from  the  following. 

East  Glastenbury,  May  17th,  1853. 

To  the  President  of  the  Glastenbury  Cen.  Celebration. 

Dear  Sir  : — It  Is  with  great  reluctance,  I  have  come  to  the  conclusion  to 
be  absent  from  the  Centenial  Celebration  of  to-morrow.  The  state  of  my 
health  however,  is  such,  that  I  am  obliged  to  decline. 

I  had  anticipated  much  pleasure  in  participating  with  our  Citizens  and 
their  invited  guests  in  the  exercises  and  festivities  of  the  day.  I  have  as  you 
know  warmly  approbated  the  plan  itself — the  preliminary  arrangements  have 
given  me  assurance  of  a  festive  day  of  no  ordinary  character.  And  I  have 
no  doubt  that  you  who  share  In  Its  enjoyments,  will  remember  it  among  the 
bright  days  of  your  lives. 

I  have  just  one  relieving  thought  In  connection  with  my  position — my 
presence  or  absence  will  not  affect  the  enjoyments  of  the  day — the  privation 
will  only  reach  me. 

With  no  ordinary  feelings  of  regret  I  remain, 

Yours  Respectfully, 

SAMUEL  FOX. 

PRAYER  by  Rev.  Albert  Hale,  of  Springfield,  Illinois,  a  native  of 
Glastenbury,  son  (1)  of  (2)  Matthew,  (3)  Doct.  Ellzur,  (4)  Jonathan,  (5) 
Samuel,  (6)  Samuel. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  we  thank  thee  for  this  joyful,  and  impres- 
sive occasion.  We  praise  thy  name  that  we  stand  here,  gathered  from  diff"er- 
ent  and  distant  parts,  at  our  home  and  the  home  of  our  fathers,  amidst  the 
memories  of  the  two  past  centuries.  We  would  devoutly  acknowledge  the 
hand  of  God,  which  directed,  sustained  and  blessed  our  fathers  when  they  plant- 
ed here  the  foundations  of  society.  We  thank  thee  for  that  deeply  interesting 
history,  portions  of  the  narrative  of  which,  have  just  been  read  in  our  hear- 
ing. Above  all  do  we  praise  thee  for  the  pure,  truthful,  Christian  principles 
of  our  ancestors,  the  source  of  all  the  personal,  domestic,  civil  and  religious 
privileges  of  their  descendants  to  the  present  time,  and  of  all  our  clierlshed 
hopes  tor  the  future.  We  owe  It  to  thee  our  Father  in  heaven,  that  from 
the  earliest  periods  of  this  place,  no  power  has  ever  been  permitted  to  pre- 
vent the  free  access  of  all  the  people  to  the  open  fountains  of  truth — the 
sacred  Scriptures,  the  light  which  guides  men  into  the  paths  of  peace,  holi- 
ness and  salvation.  We  bless  thy  name,  that  here  the  sanctuary  and  the 
school-house  have  stood  side  by  side,  pouring  the  blessings  of  knowledge  and 
religion  upon  the  people.  AVe  rejoice  In  the  Lord,  to-day,  in  the  aecumula- 
ited  blessings  and  privileges,  the  fruit  of  the  virtue,  the  piety  and  the  toils  of 
past  generations.  And  while  we  thus  rejoice,  and  gratel'ully  praise  God  for 
his  manifold  goodness  to  our  fxthers  and  to  us  their  children,  may  we  not  be 
unmindful  of  the  solemn  truth,  that  of  those  to  whom  much  is  given,  much 
will  be  required.  May  tlie  rich  inheritance,  Thou  hast  bestowed  on  us,  the 
fruit  of  the  principles,  the  labors  and  the  sacrifices  of  those  who  lia\e  gone 
before  us,  be  preserved  and  transmitted,  imimpaired  by  us,  to  our  offspring, 
And  to  all  who  shall  come  after  us.  To  all  coming  generations,  may  t^e  peo- 
ple of  this  place  be  distinguished  for  a  deep,  intelligent,  practical  love  of  truth 
and  righteousness;  and  may  every  Institution,  social,  civil,   and  religious, 


229 

which  benefits  and  adorns  human  society,  be  sustained  here  till  time  shall  be 
no  more.  The  Lord  bless  and  keep  us.  The  Lord  preserve  us  from  all  evil, 
and  admit  us  all  at  last  to  the  abodes  of  the  blessed  in  heaven,  through  Jksus 
Christ,  to  whom  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit  be  praise  everlasting. 
Amex. 

BENEDICTION,  by  Rev.  Thomas  Roimixs,  D.  D.,  of  the  Connecti- 
cut Historical  Society. 

The  line  being  again  formed,  marched  to  the  Town  Hall,  at  the  west  end 
of  the  Green,  outside  of  which  long  tables  were  erected,  under  tents,  and 
shaded  by  the  evergreen.  These  tables  were  enclosed  that  none  but  the  Com- 
mittee of  one  hundred  (wliich  had  to  be  augmented  to  two  hundred,)  could 
have  access  to  them,  in  order  to  save  confusion  in  waiting  upon  the  crowd  ; 
and  we  doubt  much  if  ever  such  a  multitude  was  filled  with  good  things 
in  a  more  orderly  and  quiet  manner.  All  were  supplied,  and  enough  was 
left  to  feed  many  more.  This  surplus  was  distributed  to  the  poor,  and  we 
think  it  may  be  safely  said,  that  there  was  one  time  in  this  town,  when  every 
inhabitant  was  happy  and  cheerful.  The  tables  were  decorated  with  beauti- 
ful bouquets  and  wreaths  of  flowers,  and  presented  an  inviting  appearance, 
speaking  well  for  the  fine  taste  and  exertions  of  the  Committee  of  Ladies, 
who  had  this  matter  in  charge.  The  dining  tents  were  also  adorned  with 
mottoes  perpetuating  the  memory  of  the  Indian  names  of  places  still  re- 
maining. 

After  the  dinner,  the  crowd  was  called  to  order  by 

Thaddeus  Welles,  Esq.,  President  of  the  day ;  who  was  assisted  by 
Joseph  AVright,  Jedidiah  Post,  Wm.  C.  Sparks,  Benjamin  Taylor, 
Leonard  E.  Hale  and  George  Merrick,  as  Vice  Presidents  ;  when  the 
following  regular  toasts  were  read,  and  each  was  received  by  cheers  from  the 
crowd,  and  music  by  the  Bands : 

1.  The  President  of  the  United  States,  > 

2.  May  18th,  1653. 

3.  The  Pioneers  of  Glastenbury.  They  ventured  in  faith,  toiled  with  pa- 
tience, and  died  in  hope.     Our  prosperity  is  the  crown  of  their  labors. 

4.  Glastonbury  in  the  Father-land.  Venerable  for  antiquity,  first  born  in 
Britain  to  the  Christian  faith — rich  in  saint  and  hero.  We  are  proud  to  de- 
rive our  name  from  so  illustrious  a  protonyra. 

5.  The  Indians  of  Glastenbury.  They  bade  the  white  stranger  welcome, 
gave  him  the  pipe  of  peace,  and  kept  their  hands  unstained  by  his  blood  ;  and 
when  their  last  survivor  passed  to  the  "  spirit  land,"  his  pathway  was  smooth- 
ed by  the  white  man's  charities. 

6.  Wethersjield.     The  venerable  mother  of  this  rejoicing  daughter. 

7.  The  Governor  of  the  State  of  Connecticut. 

Governor  Seymour  responded  by  giving  the  following — 

Glastenbury.     May  its  future  history  present  as  fair  a  record  of  worthy 

deeds,  noble  sacrifices  for  the  pubhc  good,  and  patriotic  actions,  as  the  past 

has  this  day  disclosed. 

8.  ^he  Natives  of  Glastenbury  and  the  descendants  of  Natives,  resident 
abtoaa  and  present  on  this  occasion.  We  welcome  the  one  to  the  scenes  of 
their  childhood  and  home  of  their  earliest  afi"ection.     We  greet  the  other  as 


230 

brethren  of  a  common  ancestry ;    in  honor  of  whom   with  us  they  join  in 
celebrating  this  day. 

9.  The  Connecticut  Historical  Society.  The  Guardian  Genius  of  the  Past — 
under  its  benign  auspices  the  generations  of  the  dead  are  made  to  live 
again,  and  their  names  and  deeds  endued  with  perpetual  remembrance. 

Remarks  of  Hon.  Thomas  Day,  President  of  the  Connecticut  Historical 

Society. 

Mr.  President : — 

In  behalf  of  the  Connecticut  Historical  Society,  I  thank  you  for  remember- 
ing that  Institution  on  this  occasion.  The  announcement  of  your  intended 
celebration  was  received  by  us  with  much  interest,  and  the  proceedings  of 
this  day  have  been  witnessed  by  such  of  us  as  have  had  the  privilege  of  be- 
ing present,  with  much  satisfaction,  and  have  met  our  entire  approbation. 

We  think  the  thought  of  celebrating  the  day,  was  a  happy  one,  and  that 
it  has  been  most  successfully  carried  out.  We  especially  admire  the  research 
and  ability,  with  which  the  orator  of  the  day  has  accomplished  the  laboriousand 
instructive  duty  which  devolved  on  him.  Though  some  of  us  had  previous- 
ly given  our  attention  to  the  history  of  the  early  settlements  on  Connecticut 
river,  and  had  studied  the  conduct  and  characters  of  the  distinguished  men 
who  made  them — particularly  in  the  town  of  Wethersfield — we  find  that  our 
researches  were  far  too  much  restricted,  being  confined  principally,  to  the 
right  bank  of  the  river.  We  are  now  taught,  that  a  rich  mine  of  historic  lore 
exists  on  the  other  side  of  the  river,  and  that  the  diggings  there  are  worth 
looking  at. 

But  the  orator  of  the  day,  deserving  as  he  is  of  all  commendation,  is  not 
the  only  figure  in  the  celebration  meriting  our  regard.  There  were  other 
heads  and  hands  busily  engaged  for  our  benefit  and  entertainment ;  some  ar- 
ranging the  proceedings;  others  illustrating  the  manners  and  customs  of  for- 
mer times,  among  whom  our  ancient  goodinan  astride  his  sorrel  mare,  and  his 
fair  dame  on  the  pillion  behind,  are  worthy  of  particular  notice ;  and  the 
next  airing  the  worthy  couple  take,  may  we  be  there  to  see — and  others,  not 
a  few  or  idle,  who  furnished  the  bountiful  repast,  and  prompted  the  flow  of 
soul. 

The  whole  subject  is  so  suggestive  and  exciting,  that  it  is  not  safe  or  prop- 
er for  an  individual  to  occupy  much  of  the  short  time  that  remains.  On  a 
review  of  the  whole,  the  sons  and  daughters  of  Glastenbury  will  long  remem- 
ber this  celebration,  as  well  they  may,  with  pride  and  satisfaction, 

10.  The  Orator  of  the  Day. 

11.  "  The  Nutmeg  State."    The  spice  of  the  Republic. 

12.  The  Heroes  of  our  Colonial  and  Revolutionary  Days. 

13.  The  Church  and  School.     The  soul  and  mind  of  the  State. 

14.  Public  Education.     A  public  interest,  and  a  public  charge. 

15.  The  Mothers  and  Daughters  of  the  Past  and  the  Present.  Whose  la- 
bors and  toils  prepared  the  way  for  this  day's  festive  joy,  and  the  means  of 
its  delightful  enjoyment. 

VOLUNTEER   TOASTS. 

By  John  A.  Hale,  Esq.  Union  and  Harmony.  As  the  streams  gush- 
ling  from  the  hills  of  Minnechaug,  Kongscut,  Nipsic,  Wassuc,  Naubuc  and 
Nayaug,  meet  and  mingle  and  flow  on  in  harmony  down  the  peaceful  Con- 
necticut, so  should  we  the  citizens  of  these  hills,  meeting  and  mingling,  flow 
«on  in  harmony  down  the  stream  of  life. 

By  Dr.  Childs.     Old  Glastenbury.     God  bless  her — "  she  never  did  bet- 


231 

ter."  May  her  Hales  never  fall — her  Wel'ei  never  fail — and  if  her  Wrights 
should  ever  be  wrong,  may  she  never  want  a  Smith  to  mend  them. 

Bif  Rev.  F.  W.  Chapman.  The  Historian  of  Glaslenbury.  Indefatigable 
in  his  efforts  to  prepare  an  interesting  and  valuable  history  of  the  town  ; 
may  he  be  amply  rewarded  by  an  extensive  and  rapid  sale  of  the  work  when 
it  comes  from  the  press. 

Anonymous.  To  the  Presiding  Officer  and  his  Assistants:  Howe  is  it  pos- 
ible  for  you  to  fail  of  success  in  the  future  any  more  than  in  the  past,  sin(  e  you 
have  by  your  side  Posts  of  firmness,  Welles  of  depth  and  clearness  ;  Smiths, 
Taylors,  Millers  and  Carters,  sufficient  for  all  needful  purposes,  with  men 
Strong  and  Hale  as  Sampson,  to  stay  the  vicious  ;  not  to  speak  of  the  men  of 
Gaines  and  Goodriches,  all  of  whom,  or  Mosely,  (mostly,)  are  known  to  be 
Wright. 

The  following  letter  with  the  accompanying  toast  was  received  by  the 
Chairman  of  the  Committee  from  the  Rev.  S.  H.  Riddel,  formerly  Pastor  of 
the  First  Congregational  Church  in  Glastenbury. 

Letter  from   the  Rev.  Mr.  Riddel. 

Boston,  May  16,  1853. 
John  A.  Hale,  Esq. : — 

Dear  Sir  : — I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  polite 
note  of  invitation  to  be  present  and  participate  in  the  ceremonies  of  the  Cen- 
tennial Celebration  of  the  town  of  Glastenbury,  on  the  18th  instant.  It  would 
give  me  the  sincerest  pleasure,  did  circumstances  admit  of  my  being  ab- 
sent from  my  engagements  in  this  city  at  that  time,  to  embrace  so  desirable 
an  opportunity  of  meeting  with  the  friends,  with  whom,  during  ten  years,  (the 
most  interesting  and  pleasant  of  my  life,)  I  was  once  associated  as  a  fellow- 
citizen,  in  those  relations  of  peculiar  intimacy  and  responsibility  pertaining 
to  the  Pastoral  and  Ministerial  Functions.  It  had  not  occurred  to  me,  until 
within  a  day  or  two  previous  to  the  receipt  of  your  invitation,  when  I  was  in- 
cidentally informed  of  the  fact,  that  the  Second  Centennial  period  of  the 
settlement  of  Glastenbury  was  so  near  at  hand ;  nor  that  the  purpose  had 
been  entertained  of  commemoratinsr  the  event  by  a  public  celebration.  That 
purpose  is  one  which  I  most  fully  approve,  and  which,  if  time  admitted  of  my 
making  any  practicable  arrangements  to  that  effect,  I  should  be  most  happy 
to  assist,  in  any  humble  measure  in  my  power,  in  carrying  into  execution.  I 
regret  exceedingly  that  it  is  otherwise ;  and  that  I  am  obliged  to  Ibrego  the 
pleasure  of  being  present  on  the  occasion,  and  sharing  in  the  "  Feast  of  Rea- 
son and  the  Flow  of  Soul,"  with  which  it  will  be  hallowed.  When  standing 
thus  at  the  goal  where  centuries  complete  their  circuit,  and  listening  to  the 
voices  that  come  swelling  down  from  a  venerable  antiquity,  our  minds  expe- 
rience sentiments  of  sublimity  and  sacred  awe,  which  nothing  else  that  is 
earthly  can  so  much  inspire.  Among  the  memories  which  will  be  gathered 
into  the  day  you  celebrate,  I  am  persuaded  that,  with  so  high-minded  and  vir- 
tuous a  people,  an  honorable  and  grateful  recognition  will  be  given  to  those 
which  flourish  over  the  dust  of  a  long  succession  of  the  Ministers  of  Christ, 
who  have  served  their  several  generations,  and  rested  from  their  labors 
among  you.  To  their  faithful  labors,  in  the  different  Christian  denomina- 
tions with  which  they  have  stood  connected,  in  preaching  the  Gospel  of  the 
Grace  of  God;  in  founding  and  rearing  up  the  Churches;  in  fostering  the 
interests  of  Popular  Education ;  and  in  cherishing  the  spirit  of  an  independ- 
ent, and  at  the  same  time,  a  just  and  law-abiding  Civil  Liberty  among  the 
people ;  the  present,  and  all  coming  generations,  will  be  happy  to  acknowl- 
edge themselves  indebted. 

.  Could  I  be  present,  dear  sir,  and  join  with  you  and  the  numerous  com- 
pany with  whom  you  will  be  associated  in  the  rational  festivities  of  this  your 


232 

second  Centennial  Celebration,  I  should  beg  leave,  in  the  spirit  of  profound 
deference  and  veneration,  to  offer  as  a  sentiment — 

The  Memory  of  the  Early  Ministers  of  Glastenhury.  Like  the  influence  of 
their  Doctrines  and  Example — Immortal  on  Earth. 

Very  respectfully  and  truly  yours, 

SAMUEL  H.  RIDDEL. 
To  J.  A.  Hale,  Esq.,  Chairman  of  Com.  of  Arrangements. 

The  following  letter  was  received  from  Hon.  Charles  H.  Pond,  Lieu- 
tenant Governor  of  the  State  : 

Hartford,  May  18th,  1853. 

Dear  Sir  : — Your  polite  invitation  to  attend  the  Centennial  Celebration 
of  Glastenbury,  was  duly  received  ;  my  answer  has  been  deferred  until  this 
morning  in  the  hope  that  I  should  be  able  to  share  in  person  the  pleasures  of 
this  interesting  occasion.  Many  and  varied  events  and  incidents  occur  in 
reviewing  the  centennial  history  of  a  town,  which  interest  not  only  its  own 
citizens,  but  interest  those  who  like  to  hear  and  see  the  evidences  of  the  pros- 
perity of  their  fellow-citizens.  I  also  hoped  to  have  had  the  pleasure  of  meet- 
ing in  your  assemblage  many  valued  friends ;  but  I  now  find  that  circum- 
stances will  deny  me  the  anticipated  enjoyments.  But,  although  I  can  not 
enjoy  a  personal  participation  of  these  pleasures,  yet,  I  trust  I  shall  have  an 
opportunity  of  reading  the  doings  and  sayings  of  your  celebration.  Accept 
my  thanks  for  your  invitation  ;  should  a  chance  offer,  you  can  present  this  as 
my  sentiment : 

Glastenhury  Celebration  of  1853.  May  the  blessings  of  your  anniversary 
be  increased  a  hundred  fold  at  your  celebration  in  1953. 

With  great  respect,  your  friend, 

CHARLES  H.  POND. 
To  John  A.  Hale,  Esq.,  Chairman,  &c. 

The  following  letter  was  also  received  by  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee 
from — 

Reuben  C.  Hale,  Esq.,  Surveyor  of  the  Port  of  Philadelphia,  whose  father 
was  a  native  of  Glastenhury ;  son  of  (2)  Elias  W.,  (3)  Gideon,  (4)  Benja- 
min, (5)  Samuel,  (6)  Samuel. 

Philadelphia,  May  14,  1853. 

Dear  Sir  : — I  had  anticipated  much  pleasure  in  attending  your  Centen- 
nial Celebration  on  the  18th  instant,  but  the  term  of  our  Supreme  Court 
commences  on  the  19  th,  and  professsional  engagements  will  prevent  me  from 
being  present. 

Glastenbury  has  always  held  a  warm  place  in  my  heart.  My  father,  Elias 
W.  Hale,  was  born  there,  and  my  first  visit  to  the  old  homestead  was  in  his 
company  many  years  since,  when  he  met  three  brothers  and  three  sisters. 
The  lights  and  shadows  of  a  quarter  of  a  century  have  since  swept  along,  and 
our  fathers  are  in  their  graves ;  but  one  of  the  seven  is  left.  There  Is  to  me 
a  mournful  pleasure  in  recalling  my  early  impressions  of  the  dear  old  town  : 
its  green  meadows  and  sandy  hills  ;  Its  sunny  brooks  and  arching  elms ;  Its 
pleasant  walks  and  hospitable  firesides,  remain  now  as  they  were  then,  for 
railroads  and  canals  have  spared  them.  In  vain,  however,  as  I  occasionally 
return  and  pass  along  the  familiar  street,  do  I  look  for  many  of  those  dear 
friends  who  then  formed  so  bright  a  part  In  the  picture.  The  old  are  in  their 
graves,  and  the  young,  who  are  not  sleeping  by  their  side,  are  treading  the 


233 

busy  pathway  of  life.  But  still,  I  love  to  drive  down  the  sandy  street.  I 
meet  some  of  the  aefjuaintance  of  former  years,  and  tliouj^h  their  hair  may 
have  jirown  grey,  and  their  ehceks  furrowed,  I  find  their  liearts  are  as  warm 
as  in  the  sunny  days  of  youth. 

I  should  like  to  be  with  you  on  the  joyous  occasion,  to  meet  your  "  fair 
women  and  brave  men  ;"  but  it  may  not  be.     With  the  sincere  hope  that  the 
interesting  occasion  may  be  one  of  unmarred  joy  and  happiness, 
I  remain,  very  respectfully, 

R.  C.  HALE. 

To  John  A.  Hale,  Esq.,  Chairman,  &c. 

The  following  letter  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee,  is  from  the  Hon. 
James  T.  Hale,  of  Bellefonte,  Penn. ;  son  of  (2)  Reuben,  (3)  Gideon  (4) 
Benjamin,  (5)  Samuel,  (6)  Samuel. 

Bellefonte,  May  5th   1853. 

Deak  Sir  : — Your  letter  inviting  me  to  be  present  at  the  Centennial 
Celebration  of  the  settlement  of  the  town  of  Glastenbury,  has  been  duly  re- 
ceived. It  would  afford  me  sincere  pleasure  to  accept  the  invitation  and  if 
previous  engagements  which  can  not  be  postponed  or  neglected,  did  not  pre- 
vent me,  I  should  certainly  do  so.  I  feel  a  lively  interest  in  all  that  pertains 
to  the  land  of  my  Fathers ;  am  proud  to  call  myself  a  Yankee,  although  born 
out  of  the  limits  of  your  State,  and  I  trust  no  son  of  Glastenbury,  whether 
born  within  its  limits  or  not,  may  ever  do  aught  to  sully  the  fair  fame  of  his 
ancestors ;  may  ever  forget  the  land  which  gave  them  birth,  or  cease  to  be 
influenced  by  the  remembrance  of  those  virtues  which  have  laid  deep  and 
strong,  the  foundations  of  its  prosperity,  and  have  made  New  England  the 
"  Pride  and  Pattern  of  the  Earth." 

Highly  appreciating  the  motives  which  have  induced  you  to  celebrate  this 
anniversary,  and  wishing  you  the  highest  pleasure  in  its  observance, 
I  remain,  yours  truly, 

JAMES  T.  HALE. 

To  John  A.  Hale,  Esq.,  Chairman,  &c. 

After  leaving  the  table,  various  gentlemen  were  called  upon  for  toasts, 
who  responded  with  a  sentiment  and  a  speech.  These  are  given  so  far  as 
the  Committee  have  been  able  to  obtain  reports  of  them. 

The  Hon.  John  M.  Niles,  of  Hartford,  being  called  upon,  responded  : 

Mr.  President: — 

I  am  here,  sir,  as  as  an  invited  guest,  not  being  a  native  of  "  Old  Glasten- 
bury," but  of  a  neighboring  town  in  this  valley,  which  bears  the  same,  or  as 
some  think,  an  earlier  date.  On  the  call  of  the  President,  I  will  preface 
the  sentiment  I  have  to  offer  by  a  few  suggestions.  In  what  I  have  witness- 
ed here  to-day,  and  at  this  moment  in  casting  my  eye  over  this  vast  assem- 
blage, I  feel  that  this  occasion  is  one  of  unusual  and  of  solemn  interest ;  an 
occasion  that  could  not  have  occurred  but  once  before  since  the  settlement  of 
the  town,  and  which  cannot  occur  again  until  the  lapse  of  a  century,  when 
the  vast  multitude  now  before  me  will  have  passed  away.  It  is  an  occasion 
which  has  brought  together  the  whole  population  of  this  ancient  town,  and 
many  of  its  sons  and  daughters  who  at  different  periods  have  lefl  the  green 
spot  that  gave  them  birth,  and  sought  a  home  in  other  jjarts  of  our  broad 
country,  more  or  less  remote.  And  many  of  those  who  have  closed  their 
earthly  pilgrimage,  are  represented  here  by  their  children,  and  their  child- 
ren's children.  Many  of  the  inhabitants  of  that  division  of  the  original  town 
west  of  the  river,  are  here,  and  also  from  other  neighboring  towns.     The  oc- 


234 

casion  directs  the  mind  to  the  past ;  to  a  review  of  the  history  of  this  ancient 
and  first  settltment  in  this  beautiful  valley ;  of  the  seed  scattered  by  the  Pil- 
grims in  the  wilderness,  which  fell  not  on  stony  ground,  but  took  root  in  a 
fertile  soil,  and  has  produced  an  abundant  harvest,  unequalled  in  the  annals 
of  colonization,  in  any  age  or  country.  In  the  admirable  address  we  have 
listened  to,  our  memories  have  been  refreshed  by  a  recital  of  many  facts, 
ehowing  the  difHculties,  privations  and  struggles  of  our  Pilgrim  Fathers,  who 
first  planted  the  seeds  of  civilization  and  Christianity  in  this  valley,  and  with 
these,  were  planted  the  seeds  of  freedom,  with  the  Puritan  strictness  of  morals. 
The  momentous  results  of  this  httle  valley  settlement  of  only  three  towns,  in 
a  political,  social  and  religious  point  of  view,  who  can  fully  comprehend? 
Who  can  declare  the  extent  of  its  influence  on  the  destiny  of  this  great 
country,  now  stretching  from  ocean  to  ocean  ?  Those  Pilgrims  had  no  con- 
ception of  what  were  to  be  the  fruits  of  the  work  in  which  they  were  engaged. 
Whilst  seeking  only  security  for  their  religion  and  the  enjoyment  of  civil 
freedom  for  themselves  and  their  children,  they  were  laying  the  foundations 
of  a  free  Republic,  such  as  the  sun  has  never  shone  upon,  and  introducing  a 
new  phase  of  civilization.  Surely  the  hand  of  Providence  must  have  been 
in  this  enterprise  !  The  subject  is  too  vast,  and  I  forbear  ;  besides,  few  can 
hear  my  voice. 

We  have  before  us  unmistakable  evidence  of  some  of  the  fruits  of  this  new 
phase  of  civilization,  religion,  freedom  and  morals.  This  evidence  is  the  as- 
sembled multitude  around  me.  It  has  been  my  fortune  to  have  witnessed 
many  large  assemblages  of  people  in  our  own  and  in  other  countries,  but  I 
have  never  seen  such  an  assemblage  as  this  out  of  New  England  ;  nor  do  I 
believe  such  a  one  can  be  gathered  together  in  any  other  part  of  the  world. 
Here  are  neither  Patricians  nor  Plebeians,  Lords  nor  Serfs ;  titled  rank  nor 
hereditary  degradation,  the  trappings  of  overgrown  wealth  nor  the  squalid- 
ness  of  poverty  ;  nor  the  "  proud  man's  contumely"  nor  the  servility  of  the 
poor.  Here,  after  the  lapse  of  two  centuries,  we  see  some  of  the  fruits  of 
the  institutions  and  principles  of  religion,  freedom,  morals  and  education  of 
the  first  settlers  of  this  valley.  But  these  fruits  are  not  now  confined  to  this 
locality.  The  three  towns  constituting  the  valley  settlements,  were  the  germs 
of  the  Commonwealth.  And  when  the  State  was  settled,  the  enterprize  of 
this  people  led  them  beyond  its  borders;  first,  up  the  valley,  planting  them- 
selves in  old  Hampshire  and  Berkshire  counties  in  Massachusetts ;  then 
further  on  into  Vermont  and  New  Hampshire.  Vermont  was  the  first  child 
of  Connecticut.  They  then  penetrated  West,  planting  themselves  on  the 
Hudson,  Mohawk  and  in  Western  New  York,  and  reaching  Ohio,  they  took 
exclusive  possession  of  a  large  district  of  that  State.  Connecticut  is  in  Ohio, 
and  where  may  you  not  find  it  ?  Is  it  not  in  Michigan,  in  northern  Illinois, 
in  Wisconsin,  Iowa  and  Minnesota?  And  if  you  pass  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
you  will  find  it  on  the  shores  of  the  Pacific.  This  little  settlement  in  this  val- 
ley, became  a  germ  of  States — the  seed  of  a  great  people. 

And  wherever  the  sons  of  Connecticut  have  gone,  they  have  taken  their 
principles,  morals  and  social  habits  with  them,  to  which  they  have  steadfastly 
adhered,  and  caused  them  to  take  root  on  the  rivers  and  prairies  of  the  West, 
and  even  in  the  more  hard  and  stony  soil  of  the  Atlantic  cities.  Without 
indijlging  further  the  thoughts  that  press  on  the  mind,  I  ofi'er  as  a  senti- 
ment— 

The  Three  First  Towns  in  (his  Valley,  Windsor,  Hartford  and  Wethersjield. 
The  germ  of  our  Commonwealth — the  seed  which  has  been  scattered  over 
our  broad  country,  and  never  yet  found  a  soil  where  it  did  not  take  root  and 
produce  an  abundant  harvest. 


235 

The  Rev.  Isaac  Wm.  Plummkr,  a  native  of  Glastcnbury,  being  called 
upon  said, — 

Mr.  President  of  the  Daij: 

You  have  called  nie  up  unexpectedly  to  ofTcr  a  sentiment.  And  on  an 
occasion  like  this,  a  sentiment  siiould  mean  a  Toast — something  "  cut  and 
dried."     And  cei'tainly,  sir,  I  have  nothing  of  the  kind  to  give. 

But  to  a  man  who  lias  been  absent  from  home  and  from  his  tViends,  a  year 
and  a  half,  and  who  returns  to  greet  them  at  a  festival  like  this,  a  sentiment 
is  very  a))t  to  mean  an  emotion,  and  a  throb  of  the  heart;  and  I  am  not 
ashamed  to  say  that  I  liace  sentiments  of  this  kind — more  than  I  could  well 
give  you. 

And  itiy  first  sentiment  is,  that  I  am  very  glad  to  see  you  all  again.  I  am 
glad  to  see  these  invited  guests,  and  these  friendly  visitors. 

I  have  shaken  hands,  and  given  and  received  gratulaiions  all  day ;  and 
now,  in  this  public  way  let  me  make  my  salutation  to  Old  Glastenbury,  and 
say — I  am  happy  to  see  you  looking  so  well. 

And  there.,  (pointing  at  the  evergreen  motto,  "  Welcome  Home,")  is  your 
greeting  to  me.  Your  hands  and  eyes  and  lips  have  said  it  all  day,  and  I 
feel  and  know  that  I  am  welcome  home. 

Friends,  I  cannot  easily  tell  you  in  this  off-hand  way,  how  much  this  Day 
of  Remembrance  has  done  to  bring  down  to  me  the  Living  Power  and  Sig- 
nificance of  the  Men  and  the  Times  that  have  gone  before  us — and  to  make 
me  conscious  of  our  Oneness  with  them. 

We  stand  here  upon  the  "  Green"  to  day  ;  we  are  alive,  and  breathe  the 
upper  air ;  but  how  suitable  on  an  occasion  like  this,  and  how  touching,  that 
the  Green  and  the  Grave-yard  should  lie  thus  side  by  side.  Here,  is  a  living 
throng,  above  the  turf,  and  like  the  grass  we  fiourish  for  a  little  season. 
There,  is  another  multitude,  unseen  and  silent,  beneath  the  sod ;  and  the 
stones  alone  tell  their  names  and  their  places.  But,  sir,  to  us  a  people,  there 
is  no  other  burial-ground  like  that,  in  all  this  world.  Not  that  it  is  more 
picturesque  than  others,  or  more  highly  adorned :  that  were  as  nothing  in 
comparison  with  the  fact  that  it  is  our  Ancestry — and  they  are  our  Fore- 
fathers who  sleep  there.  And  were  we  to  take  with  us  this  thought  of  our 
oneness  with  them,  and  stand  above  their  dust,  and  look  upon  their  epitaphs, 
it  might  well  startle  us  to  read  our  own  names  letter  by  letter  upon  their 
tombstones.  Indeed,  what  are  we  but  bone  of  their  bone  and  fiesh  of  their 
flesh  ?  Do  we  not  move  here  in  their  likeness  to  day  ?  Do  we  not  carry 
their  faces,  and  walk  with  their  gait,  and  look  with  their  expression  '? 

And  yet,  it  is  not  this  lineage  of  the  blood,  and  of  the  natural  life  which 
we  commemorate  by  these  observances,  and  chiefly  seek  to  honor.  This,  is 
but  the  outside  of  a  something  more  central,  and  of  deeper  consequence. 
By  far  the  better  part  of  our  ancestral  heritage  runs  in  channels  deeper  than 
the  veins :  it  runs  in  the  channels  of  our  thinking,  if  it  runs  at  all.  It  com- 
municates itself  to  souls  that  are  kindred  to  their  souls.  It  circulates  through 
minds  that  can  do  and  dare  in  this  day,  and  for  these  times  as  they  dared, 
and  as  they  did  in  their  own  day  and  generation  ;  minds  that  can  catch  the 
living  spirit  of  republican  citizenship,  and  that  can  foresee,  and  under 
God  can  foreordain  the  more  than  imperial  magnificence  of  Republican 
Sovereignty,  which  is  yet  to  be  revealed. 

I  have  mused  a  little  over  the  question  whether  we  should  not  honor  our 
Fathers  best,  by  remembering  that  they  have  not  done  all  the  work  which 
Freedom  has  to  be  done  ;  and  that  there  are  other  kinds  of  freedom  besides 
the  freedom  of  the  State,  yet  to  be  achieved. 

Think  only  of  Laws  that  sanction  Slavery,  or  that  protect  Intemperance. 
Think  of  our  system  of  Public  Education  not  yet  truly  republicanized. 

And  in  behalf  of  each  of  these  three  provinces,  yet  to  be  gained  by  con- 


236 

quest  to  the  Realm  of  Freedom,  the  God  of  Liberty  is  already  mustering  his 
forces,  and  choosing  his  champions. 

And  I  suppose,  sir,  that  if  we  look  a  little  farther,  we  may  find  still  other 
provinces,  which  are  to  be  annexed  to  that  same  realm  of  Liberty,  all  in  due 
time.  For  example,  perhaps,  one  of  these  days  we  shall  feel  the  need  of 
freedom  from  party  spirit.  Party  spirit — that  blind  Samson  hetween  the  two 
pillars — or  worse  yet,  that  heathen  giant  Polyphemus  with  his  one  eye  in  the 
middle  of  his  forehead — or  still  worse,  that  false-birth  of  a  Christian  Repub- 
licanism, with  its  two  eyes  so  given  over  of  God  to  Judicial  Blindness,  that  it 
can  only  see  that  our  Party  is  altogether  white,  and  your  Party  is  altogether 
black. 

And,  for  another  example,  possibly  the  day  may  come  when  we  shall  feel 
the  need  of  freedom  from  the  Spirit  of  Democracy — that  vulgar  feeling  of 
personal  consequence  which  says,  "  I  am  as  good  as  you" — that  false  and  im- 
pudent independence  that  can  see  no  distinction  between  Political  Equality 
and  Personal  Equality — between  the  equality  of  legal  privilege  and  an 
equality  of  inward  worth  ;  and  which  abhors  principalities  and  powers  and 
dignities  after  such  a  fashion  that  it  forbears  to  respect  any  thing,  even  itself. 

But,  Mr.  President,  I  should  be  glad  to  say  a  few  words  to  show  how  my 
mind  has  been  kept  at  work  all  day,  listening,  and  interpreting  to  itself,  and 
catching  the  far-off  meanings  of  these  emblems  and  memorials  of  things 
which  have  passed  from  sight,  but  yet  have  not  passed  away. 

What  a  strange  meeting  of  things  near,  and  of  things  that  are  far  off. 
What  a  gathering  of  similitudes  and  contrasts :  What  a  singular  harmony  of 
concords  and  discords,  all  blending  themselves  into  one  deep,  solemn  and 
beautiful  meaning. 

Why  sir  !  they  made  the  dawn  of  the  day  explode  upon  us  with  the  shock 
of  artillery  ;  and  then,  while  our  startled  ears  lay  and  listened  for  the  second 
burst — behold  instead,  the  silvery  tongue  of  the  Sabbath  bell  began  its  Reci- 
tative of  Peace  on  earth  and  good  will  to  men.  And  with  such  a  dialogue 
the  drama  of  the  day  was  opened — cannon  and  bells — bells  and  cannon — 
a  voice  from  the  battle-field — the  reply,  from  the  House  of  God. 

And  then,  those  mighty  banners  !  spreading  themselves  abroad  over  our 
streets,  that  they  might  be  as  a  covering  and  a  defence  to  our  place  and 
people. 

It  could  not  have  been  expected,  I  know,  that  I  should  grow  inspired  at 
the  sight  of  our  poor,  tormented  star-spangled  banner.  But  then,  it  happen- 
ed before  the  muster  of  the  day  had  begun  ;  and  the  banners  and  I  had  the 
street  all  to  ourselves :  and  never  as  then,  did  the  Flag  of  our  Country  tell 
me  its  story  of  Sovereignty  and  Protection,  and  of  the  Bravery  of  a  true 
Freedom  and  a  Living  Peace.  There  they  floated,  wide  and  high,  enwreath- 
ing  themselves  with  the  verdure  of  our  Elms ;  and  every  wave  seemed  slow, 
majestic  and  silent  with  recollection :  and  as  I  rode  beneath  their  waving 
shadow,  other  shadows  and  other  waves  swept  over  me — the  shadows  of  the 
Past — the  waves  of  its  generations.  I  thought  of  the  Tide  of  Time — history 
came  to  life  again — the  Memories  of  two  hundred  years  returned  to  look  me 
in  the  face,  and  the  very  Dead  seemed  alive.  And  I  said  to  myself  "  In  truth 
this  IS  '  Old  Glastenbury' " — Let  us  be  still  and  hearken  ! 

Thus  one  side  of  a  new  contrast  was  given  to  me  ;  and  forthwith  the  other 
side  appeared.  For  at  my  next  view  the  Living  were  there  :  The  Present 
had  come  forth  to  spend  a  day  with  the  Past. 

And  verily  !  I  think  I  have  seen  Glastenbury  this  day  :  I  think  that  Glas- 
tenbury has  looked  at  herself;  and  has  felt  the  beatings  of  her  own  heart, 
and  the  thrill  of  life  in  her  veins.  Mr.  President,  ought  not  that  scene  to 
have  been  daguerreotyped  !  What  a  picture  it  would  be  to  show  at  our  next 
Centennial — one  hundred  years  from  this  day ;  where  neither  you  nor  I,  nor 


237 

any  of  us  shall  be.  I  cannot  rcprodnco  that  spectacle  for  you  ;  I  <ii\e  it  up. 
But  beaminj^  faces  and  happy  ;j;rcctinjis  were  proof  enoujxli  tliat  \vc  all  en- 
joyed it.  And  I  have  alluded  to  it  oidy  because,  in  the  first  place,  it  formed 
the  counterpart  and  contrast  to  what  1  was  thinking  of  the  hour  before  ;  and, 
in  the  second  place  to  say  that  every  part  and  section  of  the  scene  had  its 
perspective  of  far-ofl'  significance,  and  spoke  to  me  in  parables.  Glance 
your  eye  along  the  "  Order  of  Procession,"  and  you  perceive  at  once  its  rep- 
resentative design.  It  was  history  in  minature  ;  in  some  slight  but  still  suf- 
ficient way,  it  was  the  recapitulation  of  our  annals  ;  a  drama  of  the  elements 
of  our  Public  Life. 

Here  moved  the  white  haired  Fathers  ;  there  an  army  of  boys  in  uniform, 
each  boy  bearing  his  streamer  of  white — the  color  of  innocence  and  peace, 
with  "  Naubuc"  tor  their  only  motto.  Here  move  the  representatives  of  civil 
authority,  in  the  persons  of  our  Governor  and  other  State  ofliccrs  ;  there 
the  official  representatives  of  religion  :  then,  a  battalion  of  soldiery,  and 
another  battalion  of  Ladies.  Next  the  Connecticut  Historical  Society ;  and 
last  a  legion  of  citizens.  Flags  and  streamers  and  mottoed  banners  acted 
well  their  part ;  and  the  interchanging  music  of  war  and  peace  gave  life  and 
regular  motion  to  the  whole. 

And,  among  other  parables,  have  we  not  seen  a  parable  on  horseback 
to-day  ?  that  couple  of  the  seventeenth  century  on  one  horse ;  and  this 
couple  of  the  nineteenth  century  on  a  couple  of  horses.  How  venerable  ! 
looked  the  seventeenth  century  on  her  pillion  !  Mrs.  Nineteenth  Century  ! 
can  you  contrive  ever  to  look  as  venerable  as  that ! 

And  again,  cc^d  any  man  who  ever  had  a  thought  in  his  eye,  look  upon 
that  interiiiinable  procession,  trooping  on  and  on,  through  these  streets  usu- 
ally so  (juiet,  and  not  exclaim — "  How  like  the  March  of  Human  Life  from 
the  centuries  gone,  onward,  into  the  centuries  to  come." 

In  the  morning  I  had  said,  under  a  solemn  retrospect  of  the  past,  this  is 
indeed,  "  Old  Glastenbury."  I  was  reminded  of  it  whl'e  I  gazed  upon  the 
gathered  thousands  of  our  people  ;  for  now  I  could  not  but  say  to  myself — 
Old  Glastenbury  looks  young.  She  never  looked  younger  or  fairer.  She 
makes  me  think  (it  will  sound  foolish  I  dare  say  ;  but  as  it  was  the  thought 
of  the  moment  1  will  tell  it  to  you) — she  makes  me  think  of  a  young  lady 
in  her  new  Spring  bonnet,  fresh  with  ribbons  and  wreaths:  And  I  tancy 
you  can  see,  sir,  that  my  illustration  was  not  far-fetched ! 

And  soberly,  is  there  not  a  truth  in  what  I  am  saying  that  can  be  sustained 
by  the  figures  of  Arithmetic,  as  well  as  by  figures  of  speech?  I  hear  a  very 
good  report  of  your  affairs.  I  see  tokens  of  your  prosperity  that  have  sprung 
up  on  every  side  during  the  eighteen  months  of  my  absence.  Are  not  new 
avenues  of  industry  and  enterprise  opening  themselves  to  you  ?  Is  not  the 
value  of  property  increasing  V  Are  not  houses  multiplying  ?  Are  not  rents 
high  and  higher  ?  People  tell  me  that  the  price  of  building  spots  has 
doubled ;  and  that  in  some  locations,  the  money  which  paid  for  ten  acres  of 
land  six  years  ago,  will  now  buy  but  one  acre.  And  they  say  to  me,  "  You 
have  no  idea  of  the  amount  of  business  that  is  done  in  the  place."  But  any 
one  who  should  see  our  regiments  of  industrious  and  thrifty-looking  young 
men  would  be  apt  to  suspect  that  something  was  going  on,  and  that  their 
labor  was  well  paid.  Indeed  the  matter  is  plain  enough  ;  and  Glastenbury 
IS  beginning  a  new  career  of  pecuniary  prosperity.  German  Silver  and 
Yankee  shaving  soap  are  doing  for  us  what  agriculture  has  never  done — and 
what  the  gold  of  California  could  never  do, — they  are  giving  the  true  im- 
pulse to  a  condition  of  society  hitherto  too  stationary  and  routine-like  for  its 
own  highest  good. 

Pardon  me,  Mn  President,  for  I  believe  I  am  approaching  a  second  senti- 
ment.    I  fear  it  is  not  quite  in  order  for  a  speaker  to  give  more  than  one 


238 

toast  at  a  time ;  but  •when  a  toast  offers  itself  to  me,  of  its  own  accord, 
what  should  I  do  with  it  but  offer  it  to  the  people  ?     And  here  it  is — 
Old  Glastenbury — She  is  growing  yomig. 

May  she  renew  her  youth  wisely  !  May  she  understand  this  day  and  hour 
of  her  merc-iful  visitation,  and  call  first  on  Christ,  and  then  on  the  school- 
master and  the  Maine  Law,  before  it  be  too  late.  We  must  not  forget  that 
thrifty  industry  is  but  the  first  letter  of  the  Alphabet  which  American  society 
is  predestined  to  learn ;  the  first  round  of  the  ladder  by  which  a  Free  and 
Equal  People  must  climb  to  its  true  level  of  republican  nobility.  Let  us  as 
a  people  fear  God,  and  honor  the  ordinances  of  the  New  Testament.  Let  us 
weigh  well  the  debt  which  we  owe  to  our  children  as  Republican  children. 
And,  if  tee  can,  let  us  have  the  spirit  of  our  Fathers,  who,  without  a  school 
fund,  sustained  upon  the  spot  where  we  now  stand,  one  of  the  best  Acade- 
mies in  the  State  of  Connecticut ;  a  school  to  which  pupils  came  from  such 
places  as  Colchester  and  Ellington,  Wethersfield,  Farmmgton  and  Water- 
bury.  The  building  was  destroyed  by  fire  some  forty  years  ago.  I  declare, 
sir  !  I  wish  we  could  find  one  brick,  or  a  foundation  stone,  or  a  fragment  of 
the  bell  of  that  ancient  school-house  :  for  we  would  have  it  set  in  brass  that 
we  might  make  a  monument  of  it,  and  plant  it  by  our  roadside,  where  Tve 
might  look  upon  it  every  day,  and  think,  think,  think  of  the  nobleness  of  our 
Fathers,  until  we  can  feel — our  own. 

But  sir,  I  must  break  off  this  thread.  I  have  said  much  more  than  I  prom- 
ised ;  and  I  fear  more  than  was  asked  of  me :  and  even  now  I  find  my 
thoughts  more  disposed  for  a  fresh  start,  than  to  wind  off  |p  a  conclusion. 

May  I  give  one  sentiment  more,  provided  that  it  be  short  and  sweet  ? 

Well,  sir,  it  is  nothing  but  this — If  any  one  of  our  citizens  does  not  know 
how  to  love  and  honor  Old  Glastenbury,  I  have  a  notion  to  give  him  a  bit  of 
advice.  Let  him  begone!  And  let  him  live  elsewhere  a  year  and  a  half: 
and  he  may  take  my  word  for  it  that  he  will  be  a  happier  if  not  a  wiser  man 
when  he  comes  back,  than  he  was  when  he  went  away. 

These  are  my  Sentiments. 

Speech  of  Hon.  Gideon  Welles,  of  Hartford,  whose  genealogy  has  been 
given  on  a  preceding  page. 

It  is  pleasant  to  be  among  old  friends  and  old  familiar  scenes ;  and  to  such 
of  us  as  have  come  back  to  our  old  home,  the  day  has  been  one  of  enjoyment. 
The  address  to  which  we  have  listened,  and  which  has  been  prepared  with 
so  much  labor,  brings  before  us  events  and  incidents  with  which  every  citizen 
of  Glastenbury  should  make  himself  familiar.  There  are  among  those  of  us 
who  were  born  in  the  earlier  part  of  the  present  century,  living  and  unre- 
corded annals  that  have  been  revived  by  this  day's  gathering,  and  on  which 
memory  delights  to  dwell.  There  is  indeed  no  recollection  so  pure,  no  friend- 
ship so  lasting,  as  that  we  have  shared  with  the  comrades  of  our  boyhood  and 
youth.  With  these  are  associated  local  attachments  and  the  memories  of  a 
receeding  generation  whom  we  respected  and  loved.  All  these  come  up  be- 
fore us  as  we  meet  on  the  Old  Green,  to  commemorate  this  anniversary,  and 
while  the  scenes  of  earlier  days  are  before  us,  and  living  friends  are  around 
us,  let  us  not  forget  the  absent  and  the  dead. 

The  plains  and  hills,  and  meadows  and  streams  of  Old  Glastenbury,  have 
a  charm  fornne  beyond  those  of  any  place  on  earth. 

"  Ah  charming  hills,  ah  pleasing  shade, 

Ah  scenes  beloved  in  vain, 
'Twas  here  my  careless  childhood  strayed 

A  stranger  yet  to  pain." 


239 

My  earliest  and  choicest  recollections  are  connected  with  the  plains  of 
Naubuc  and  East  Farms — the  deep  valleys  of  Nayaiifr  and  Wassuc,  and  the 
liigh  hills  of  iMinnechaug  and  Kongscut.  Here  under  our  eye,  repose  the 
remains  of  my  ancestors,  on  the  paternal  and  maternal  side  for  half  a  dozen 
generations.  There  was  a  time  when  I  knew  personally,  and  was  known  by 
almost  every  citizen  of  Glastenbury.  To  tiiem  I  was  indebted  for  uniform 
kindness  and  unabated,  and  unshaken  conlidence  during  the  whole  period  of 
my  residence  among  them.  It  has  afforded  me  pleasure  to  meet  so  many  of 
them  here  to  day,  and  with  them  anotlicr  generation.  • 

I  give  you,  Glastenbury — her  past — present  and  future. 

Speech  of  Henry  I.  Wright,  Esq.,  of  Hartford,  whose  genealogj'  has 
been  given  on  a  preceding  page. 

Mr.  President,  1  shall  respojid  very  briefly  to  your  call — I  have  looked  for- 
ward to  this  occasion  with  feelings  of  unusual  interest ;  and  my  highest  hopes 
have  been  far  more  than  realized.  During  the  past  six  years  I  have  derived 
much  pleasure  from  the  e.xamination  of  such  ancient  wills,  deeds  and  origi- 
nal records  as  gave  me  a  knowledge  of  our  common  ancestry ;  and  being 
descended  from  those  who  were  here  two  centuries  ago,  I  was  prepared  to 
enjoy  with  a  full  h<  art  an  occasion  like  this. 

As  a  "  son  of  Glastenbury  from  abroad,"  I  hope  to  be  sensible  of  our  very 
great  indebtedness  to  you,  who  have  remained  here  within  the  ancient  metes 
and  bounds,  for  what  we  enjoy  to  day.  We  find  on  every  side,  an  open 
house,  an  open  heart  and  a  cordial  welcome,  evincing  a  spirit  of  hospitality 
and  generosity  worthy  of  the  "olden  time." 

I  have  been  thinking  to  day  how  time  in  its  flight  had  swept  away  almost 
every  vestige  of  the  pioneers  in  the  settlement  of  the  town.  Their  houses 
have  crumbled  and  disappeared  ;  but  the  thought  came  pleasantly  over  me 
that  the  sturdy  oak  on  the  hill  side,  (a  tree  so  well  known  for  its  extreme  age,) 
that  this  "  king  of  the  for6st"  had  come  down  to  us  from  the  earliest  settlers. 
It  was  a  witness  of  their  toil,  and  their  privation  ;  it  had  heard  the  sound  of 
their  voices ;  and  beneath  its  branches,  perhaps,  had  been  heard  the  hymn  of 
Sabbath  worshippers.  I  love  the  trees  :  they  have  a  mysterious  language. 
I  love  the  memory  of  our  fathers  ;  and  I  shall  ever  cherish  the  thought  that 
these  oaks,  these  "giant  oaks,"  were  their  companions  !  Were  I  to  give  you 
a  sentiment,  thhi  should  be  my  theme, 

The  Slurdif  Oaks.  The  companions  and  fit  emilems  of  the  unbending  in- 
tegrity and  faithfulness  of  our  fathers. 

Speech  of  Henry  T.  Welles,  Esq.,  whose  genealogy  has  been  given  on 
a  preceding  page. 

Mr.  President : — While  paying  this  festal  tribute  to  the  memory  of  those 
of  our  townsmen,  who  have  finished  their  labors,  and  can  no  more  be  cheer- 
ed by  the  notes  of  earthly  sympathy  and  affection  ;  it  is  well  to  remember 
them,  also,  who,  though  still  living,  are  absent,  being  withheld  by  various  cir- 
cumstances from  a  participation  in  these  rejoicings.  At  earlier  or  later  peri- 
ods of  their  lives,  they  left  tlie  town  of  their  birth.  Some  are  only  a  few 
miles  away ;  some  reside  in  the  larger  cities  of  our  country  ;  some  are  woo- 
ing the  smiles  of  the  sunny  south  ;  and  some  have  ventured  over  the  bound- 
less prairies,  and  into  the  dense  forest  of  the  West.  Others  now  wander  on 
the  pathless  ocean,  or  roam  in  foreign  lands ;  others  still,  are  scattered  along 
the  valleys  of  the  far  off  Pacific  coast,  wringing  from  their  mother  earth 
with  toilsome  hardihood  her  hidden  treasure. 

Once,  all  these  were  with  us.  With  us  they  walked  in  these  streets,  and 
worked  in  their  fields.  They  chatted  at  our  firesides.  They  met  us  in  the 
evening  circle,  in  the  school,  in  the  church,  on  this  little  plain  and  even  in 


240 

this  Hall.  Like  us  they  have  climbed  these  hills,  and  from  their  summits 
have  looked  down  on  a  scene  of  surpassing  beauty  and  grandeur ;  of  whiten- 
ed houses,  hills,  vales  and  river,  of  expansive  meadows  and  distant  spires, 
until  every  feature  of  it  was  stamped  forever  on  their  memories.  They  are 
still  bound  by  a  thousand  tender  associations  to  the  place  of  their  nativity 
and  childhood. 

Wherever  they  are,  in  whatever  clime  or  country,  in  whatever  condition, 
to  this  spot  their  thoughts  will  ever  instinctively  turn.  Fancy  will  bring 
them  back  to  it  ift  dreams  of  the  night ;  it  will  haunt  their  memories,  in  the 
pensive  hours  of  evening  twilight  and  prayers  for  its  welfare  and  prosperity 
will  be  mingled  with  their  morning  visions. 

I  give  you,  The  absent  natives  of  Glastenhury. 

Speech  of  the  Hon.  George  Merrick,  Esq.,  a  descendant  of  an  early 
settler  of  Eastbury,  whose  genealogy  has  been  given  on  a  preceding  page. 

The  large  number  of  our  citizens  present,  attests  the  deep  interest  taken 
in  this  our  second  anniversary. 

On  this  interesting  occasion  we  naturally  revert  to  the  first  settlement  of 
our  Town  and  country — to  those  civil,  religious  and  literary  institutions, 
founded  by  the  wisdom  of  our  ancestors,  and  which  we  now  possess  as  a  rich 
legacy  from  them — and  we  trust  will  be  as  lasting  as  the  hills  and  streams 
beside  which  they  planted  themselves.  Education,  and  toleration  in  matters 
of  religion  seem  to  be  the  two  leading  principles  that  actuated  the  first  set- 
tlers, and  instructing  all  classes  in  the  rudiments  of  literature  and  religion, 
at  the  public  expense,  seems  to  be  the  first  germ  of  the  free  school  system, 
since  so  widely  diffused  throughout  the  world,  and  so  universally  beneficial, 
and  these  had  their  origin  in  the  very  infancy  of  the  settlements.  And  they 
seem  to  have  been  aware  of  their  importance,  from  the  care  with  which  they 
were  cherished.  Our  ancestors  also  showed  their  wisdom  in  the  laws  they 
enacted,  which  were  well  adcy^ted  to  meet  the  necessities  of  their  peculiar 
situation.  Their  magistrates  were  also  men  of  the  highest  considei'ation  and 
distinction  in  the  community.  And  they  exercised  the  humblest  office  in  the 
administration  of  justice. 

The  first  settlers  of  this  Town  were  a  peace  loving  people.  They  settled 
among  the  children  of  the  soil  by  compact,  and  neither  history  nor  tradition 
has  left  a  trace  of  a  quarrel  between  the  rising  and  falling  races. 

And  these  principles  have  more  or  less  intluenccd  their  posteritj',  and  come 
down  to  us.  Such  a  people  had  need  of  but  few  Lawyers  to  aid  in  the  ad- 
ministration of  justice.  And  our  Town  comparatively  has  had  but  lew. 
There  have  been  long  intervals  in  which  we  have  had  none  of  that  j^rofes- 
sion,  and  seldom  more  than  one  at  a  time.  And  this  is  true  both  under  the 
Colonial  and  State  Governments. 

Our  knowledge  under  the  former  is  somewhat  limited,  but  enough  is  known 
to  sustain  the  truth  of  the  remark. 

The  first  Lawyer  in  this  Town  that  we  have  any  account  of,  is  Eleazar 
Kimberly,  who  was  Secretary  of  the  Colony  from  1690  to  1709,  and  speaker 
of  his  Majesty's  lower  house. 

Whether  his  son  and  grand-son  were  lawyers,  or  not,  is  not  certainly 
known — But  both  were  active  magistrates  of  the  Town.  His  great  grand-son 
Thomas  Kimberly,  born  in  1745,  graduated  at  Yale,  in  17GG,  after  being  ad- 
mitted to  the  bar,  practiced  law  here  till  his  death  in  1777.  He  was  killed  by 
the  accidental  blowing  up  of  a  powder  mill  in  that  year.  He  left  a  widow,  a 
son  and  a  daughter. 

His  place  does  not  seem  to  be  supplied,  till  after  our  revolution.  In  1  784, 
Jonathan  Brace,  who  married  his  widow,  removed  from  Bennington,  "N'er- 
mont,  to  this  town,  and  practiced  law  here  till  1794,  when  he  went  to  Hart- 


241 

ford,  and  remained  there  till  his  death,  in  18o5.     He  was  horn  in  Ilarwinton, 
graduated  at  Yale,  in  1779,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death  was  83. 

He  held  many  public  offiees.  He  was  state's  attorney  at  Bennington, 
often  represented  this  Town  in  tlie  legislature,  was  a  member  of  the  house 
of  assistants — Representative  in  Congress — Judge  of  the  County  Court, 
Judge  of  Probate,  Mayor  of  the  city  of  Hartford.  He  held  tlie  judge.-^hip  till 
dis(|ualified  by  age. 

Zephaniah  H.  Smith  may  be  considered  as  his  successor  in  the  profession. 
He  was  born  in  this  Town,  and  graduated  at  Yale,  in  1782.  For  a  few  years 
he  was  a  settled  Congregational  minister  in  Newtown,  In  this  State.  In  1792, 
he  left  the  ministry,  and  returned  to  his  native  Town. 

After  a  course  of  reading  witii  .Judge  Brace,  he  was  admitted  to  the  Bar, 
and  practiced  here  till  his  death,  in  IS.'iG. 

He  rei)resented  this  Town  in  the  legislature  several  times. 

Joseph  Backus  ]Hirsued  the  profession  of  Law  here  some  time.  He  open- 
ed an  office  about  the  year  1  792-3,  and  remained  here  a  few  yeai-Sjand  then 
removed  to  Strattbrd,  since  Bridgeport,  and  pursued  the  profession  there  till 
bis  death,  in  1838.  He  has  represented  the  town  of  Bridgeport.  He  is  the 
author  of  a  treatise  in  two  vols,  octavo,  on  Sheriffs,  and  book  of  Ibrms  for 
justices. 

Several  years  after  he  left,  Samuel  Jones,  a  native  of  Hebron,  opened  a 
Law  cilice  here.  He  graduate<l  at  Yale,  in  1800,  read  law  with  the  late 
Judge  Sylvester  Gilbert  of  Hebron.  He  commenced  here  in  1802,  and  in 
1810,  went  to  Stoekbridge  and  jjursued  his  profession  there  until  1845,  when 
he  removed  to  Boston,  having  received  an  appointment  there. 

He  was  succeeded  in  the  profession  here  by  Samuel  G.  Sti-ong,  also  a  na- 
tive of  Hebron.  He  graduated  at  Williamstown,  in  1809,  and  studied  law 
with  the  late  Judge  John  T.  Peters.  He  practiced  here  from  1811  to  1814, 
when  he  went  from  this  town  and  soon  after  died. 

I  ought  to  mention  among  our  Lawyers,  our  towsnmen  the  Hon.  George 
Plumnier,  who  was  born  here  and  graduated  at  Yale,  in  1804.  After  a  course 
of  reading  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  and  commenced  practice,  but  his  father 
dying  about  that  time,  leaving  a  large  estate  to  his  management,  he  relin- 
quished his  profession.  He  has  represented  this  District  twice  as  a  senator 
in  the  State  Legislature. 

I  might  speak  of  several  subjects  connected  with  the  achninistration  of 
justice  in  the  history  of  our  town,  did  time  permit,  but  I  will  only  oiler  a 
sentiment.  * 

'  The  administration  of  justice  in  tliis  town." 

May  it  be  as  in  former  days,  pure  and  unsullied. 

Sketch  of  the  Remarks  of  Hon.  John  Cotton  Smith  of  Sharon,  a  de- 
scendant of  Rev.  Henry  Smith,  the  first  settled  minister  of  the  Town. 

Ladies  and  Gentlemen  : — 

After  the  deep  enthusiasm  inspired  by  a  day  like  this,  it  would  seem  an 
almost  hopeless  task,  to  add  a  single  thought  to  the  eloquent  sentiments,  that 
have  lent  their  interest  to  this  joyous  and  spirit-stirring  festival.  But  I  do  not 
present  myself  before  you  as  a  stranger.  The  dust  of  my  ancestors  lies 
mingled  with  that  of  yours,  and  the  warmest  sympathies,  and  most  tendeiv 
recollections  of  my  heart,  cluster  around  your  ancient,  beautiful,  aud  historic 
dwelling-place.  Our  forefathers  who  settled  this  venerable  town,  belonged, 
to  that  wondi'rful  generation  that  in  Old  England,  set  their  foot  upon  the 
neck  of  their  King,  and  trampled  the  aristocracy  into  the  dust  in  a  score  of 
well  tbught  battle  fields,  and  in  New  England  founded  a  republican  comnion-^ 
wealth,  not  on  the  slavish  creed  of  the  divine  right  of  tiie  monarch,  but  upod 
the  imperishable  doctrine  of  the  sovereignty  of  the  people. 

16 


242 

They  came  not  to  this  western  world  like  the  Spanish  Catholic  in  pursuit 
of  gold,  and  the  propagation  of  the  papal  mass,  not  like  most  of  the  early 
settlers  of  the  other  Atlantic  States,  for  the  tralHc  of  commerce,  and  the  grati- 
fication of  avarice  ;  but  they  came  to  gain  for  themselves  and  their  descend- 
ants the  priceless  benefits  of  sell-government,  and  the  noblest  of  all  liberties, 
freedom  to  worship  God. 

Soon  after  the  opening  of  spring,  more  than  two  hundred  years  ago,  a 
little  band  of  willing  exiles,  might  have  been  seen  wending  slowly  their 
weary  way,  through  the  then  trackless  wilderness  which  separated  the  shores 
of  Massachusetts  bay,  from  that  spot  on  the  banks  of  the  Connecticut  river, 
where  they  designed  to  erect  their  public  temples,  and  their  domestic  altars. 
They  travelled  on  foot,  and  slept  upon  the  earth,  with  no  canopy  but  the  sky. 
Many  of  them  weVe  unaccustomed  to  hardships,  and  in  their  native  country 
enjoyed  all  the  luxuries  that  high  social  position  confers  in  an  advanced  state 
of  civilization.  Their  wants  and  wishes  were  supplied  by  attentive  domes- 
tics, and  from  the  windows  of  statelj'  hall  and  ancient  manor  house,  they 
could  look  upon  that  most  delightful  of  earthly  possessions,  broad  acres,  in- 
herited from  father's  fathers.  These  lands  and  dwellings  they  had  sold  at  a 
ruinous  sacrifice,  and  they  were  now  rich  in  nothing,  but  that  faith  "  that 
overcomes  the  world,"  and  that  "  hope  that  is  an  anchor  to  the  soul."  For  a 
fortnight  they  struggled  forward  with  untiring  courage,  through  the  desert, 
while  they 

"  Shook  the  forest  wild 

Witli  their  liytuns  ot  loi'ty  cheer." 

At  length  they  stood  upon  the  banks  of  that  beautiful  river,  of  which  one 
of  our  own  poets  has  sweetly  sung, 

"  No   fairer  streams  through  happier  valleys  shine, 
Nor  drinks  the  sea  a  lovelier  wave  than  thine." 

Soon  the  smoke  of  their  humble  cabins  ascended  from  the  bosom  of  the 
tall  waving  woods,  and  the  sound  of  the  axe  often  swung  by  hands  more 
used  to  hold  the  pen,  or  wield  the  sword,  startled  alike  the  timid  deer,  and 
the  fierce  savage.  What  exertion  and  diligence,  did  not  the  great  and  varied 
labors  of  these  first  years  demand,  when  the  whole  of  what  is  now  the  most 
jprosperous  community  on  earth,  consisted  of  the  three  little  plantations  of 
iHartford,  Windsor  and  Wethersfield.  Of  the  latter,  Glastenbury  was  then 
;a  constituent  portion.  How  hard  to  turn  with  scanty  numbers,  and  inexpe- 
rienced efibrt,  the  dark  wilderness  into  fruitful  field  and  blooming  garden. 
To  provide  subsistence  and  shelter  lor  their  families  and  their  cattle,  against 
.the  rigors  of  a  northern  winter,  to  construct  new  roads  through  trackless 
wilds,  and  all  this,  amid  constant  watchings  and  alarms,  so  that  while  guiding 
.the  plough  with  one  hand,  they  were  forced  to  hold  the  nmsket  in  tlie  other. 

When  assembled  for  worship  on  each  calm  Sabbath  motn  of  that  first  sum- 
oner,  perhaps  beneath  the  shade  of  some  noble  oak  or  bi-anchingelm,  and  re- 
ifresliing  their  wearied  spirits  by  copious  draughts  of  sacred  truth  poured  out 
by  pastors  who  well  knew  how  "  to  point  to  heaven  and  lead  the  way,"  how 
sweet  after  that  soul-stirring  exhortation,  must  have  swelled  from  their  united 
heart  and  voice,  the  sentiment  of  the  beautiful  lyric. 

Ye  feeble   saint.-,   fre.~h   courage   takt 

The  cloud.-i  ye   so   much   dread, 
Are   big   with    mercies,   and   .-^liaU   break 

111    blessings,  on   your   head. 
God's  [)nrposes  are  ripening  last, 

Unfolding  every  hour — 
The  bud  may  have  a  bitter  taste, 

But  sweet  will   be  the  flower. 


243 

In  addition  to  every  other  circumstance  gloomy  and  dislioartoning,  their 
second  year  in  the  country,  broke  upon  tlicm  with  all  the  horror?;  of  a  savage 
war.  Their  total  destruction  was  sworn  by  a  numerous  and  powerl'ul  nation, 
and  they  had  no  where  to  look  tor  succor,  but  to  God  and  their  own  courage. 
Undismayed,  they  fitted  out  their  little  army,  composed  of  nearly  one-half 
of  their  effective  men,  and  sent  them  into  the  enemies' country  with  the  fixed 
resolution  "to  do,  or  die."  History  records  no  more  gallant  exploit  than  the 
storming  of  the  l\*(iuod  fort,  and  if  judged  by  its  consecpiences  upon  the 
future  destinies  of  man,  the  mighty  armaments  and  tremendous  bittles  of 
Europe,  fade  by  comparison  into  the  most  jji'rfect  and  absolute  insignificance. 
One-fourth  of  that  little  force  were  your  lineal  inogenitors,  and  if  it  be  a 
credit  to  have  descended  from  a  race  of  lu'roes,  you  have  a  full  right  to  the  in- 
dulgence of  such  a  noble  and  honorable  pride.  Since  that  memorable  strug- 
gle, in  every  conflict  for  the  rights,  the  interest,  and  the  honor  of  the  colony, 
the  State,  and  the  nation  ;  the  citizens  of  Glastenbury  have  freely  and  gen- 
erously contributed  both  of"  their  blood  and  their  treasure.  Your  ancestors 
took  a  no  less  active  part  in  the  civil,  than  in  the  military  concerns  of  the 
then  infant  colony.  They  strengthened  it  by  their  council,  as  well  as  defend- 
ed it  by  their  valor. 

On  the  14th  of  January,  1639,  all  the  free  planters  convened  at  Hartford, 
and  on  mature  deliberation  adopted  a  constitution  of  government,  whose 
formation  at  so  early  a  period,  when  the  light  of  liberty  was  wholly  darkened 
in  most  parts  of  the  earth,  and  the  rights  of  man  but  an  empty  name,  was  a 
noble  proof  of  their  ability,  integrity,  and  devotion  to  the  princijile  of  a  just 
and  righteous  liberality.  It  was  the  first  comj)lete  tiame  of  civil  order  writ- 
ten out  in  the  new  world.  It  embodied  all  the  essential  features  of  ihe  con- 
stitutions of  the  States,  and  of  the  Republic  itself,  as  they  exist  at  the  pres- 
ent day.  It  was  the  free  representative  plan,  which  now  distinguishes  our 
country  in  the  eyes  of  the  world. 

The  first  Colonists  of  Connecticut,  fi-om  whom  it  is  our  pride  and  happi- 
ness to  descend,  were  imbued  with  a  double  portion  of  that  stern  republican 
sentiment,  which  contributes  so  much  to  the  elevation  of  both  individual  and 
national  character.  Coming  from  that  portion  of  England,  famed  for  its 
steady  adherence  to  the  ancient  Anglo  Saxon  spirit  of  liberty  and  equality, 
"  v(e  incictis,"  "  unconquered  Kent,"  where  the  law  of  primogeniture,  and 
the  other  monstrosities  of  Norman  feudalism,  were  never  able  to  fasten  their 
yoke  upon  its  free  and  vigorous  population,  they  brought  with  them  to  this 
western  world,  a  hearty  detestation  of  the  impudent  assumptions  of  arbitrary 
power,  and  the  empty  jioiiip  of  aristocratic  title.  They  formed  their  laws 
and  their  manners,  not  to  found  and  perpetuate  artificial  distinctions  in  society, 
but  to  promote  "  the  greatest  gooil  of  the  greatest  number,"  and  the  only 
patent  of  nobility  which  ttiey  condescended  to  respect,  was  that  conferred  by 
the  hand  of  the  Creator,  and  stainj)ed  with  the  impress  of  honor,  of  patriot- 
ism, of  knowledge,  and  of  virtue. 

Such  a  tree,  planted  in  such  a  soil,  has  produced  its  natural  and  beautiful 
fruits.  In  addition  to  her  amazing  eiforls  in  securing  Independence  from  a 
foreign  power,  by  the  testimony  of  the  greatest  of  Southern  Statesman,  him- 
selt  a  graduate  of  her  venerable  University,  Connecticut  gave  to  the  nation 
its  most  admirable  Constitution  of  government.  In  the  simplicity  and  econo- 
my of  its  jurisprudence,  in  the  universal  difiVision  of  education,  in  the  general 
comfort,  and  moral  virtues  of  its  ])0])idation,  and  the  ])rit'eless  value  of  its 
mechanical  inventions,  it  occupies  tlie  foremost  rank,  amid  her  sisters  of  the 
Confederated  Union.  If  turniug  from  the  empire  of  matter,  to  that  of  mind, 
her  intellectual  lights  are  almost  as  countless  as  the  stars.  Here  divines  and 
philosophers  have  a  world-wide  renown,  while  her  hands  have  plucked  the 
tiairest  fiowers  of  poesy,  and  chanted  the  sweetest  inspirations  of  song. 

Such  in  brief,  are  some  of  the  reflections  that  rush  upon  the  mind,  while 


244 

looking  upon  your  beautiful  landscape,  which  seems  as  if  fashioned  by  the 
Almighty  to  be  the  fitting  cradle  of  such  a  magnificent  commonwealth. 
Many  of  you  possess  that  most  delightful  of  all  pleasures  to  a  heart  of  sensi- 
bility, the  sweet  enjoyment  to  sit  under  the  shade  of  ancestral  trees,  and  till 
the  smiling  surface  of  ancestral  acres.  You  have  the  happiness  to  reside  in 
the  same  lovely  spot,  where  your  fathers  dwelt,  and  from  which,  they  ascend- 
ed to  their  heavenly  rest.  God  grant  that  their  virtues  may  forever  hallow  the 
abode  of  their  descendants,  that  every  earthly  blessing  may  distill  like  the 
dew  of  heaven  upon  it,  till  Time's  last  echo  shall  have  ceased  to  sound,  and 
the  governments  of  the  world,  shall  have  given  place  to  that  of  the  King 
eternal.  Standing  upon  the  sacred  precincts  of  such  a  time-honored  home 
as  this,  with  what  gushing  emotion  may  each  of  us  exclaim  with  a  warm  fresh 
glow  of  heartfelt  love. 

Land  of  my  birth,  thou  art  a  holy  land, 
Strong  in  thy  virtue  may'st  thou  stand, 
As  in  thy  soil  and  mountains  thou  art  strong ; 
And  as  thy  mountain  echoes  now  prolong 
The  cadence  of  thy  waterfalls ; — forever  be. 
The  voice  lifted  up  of  Time's  broad  river. 
As  on  it  rushes  to  the  eternal  sea. 
Sounding  the  praises  of  thy  sons,  and  Thee. 


ARGUMENT. 

The  deeds  and  men — who  erst  in  days  of  yore 
Wlien  came  the  Pilgrims  to  our  roclf-bound  shore, 
From  whence  we  flow  as  from  a  fountain  spring, 
Their  toils,  their  trials,  and  their  fame,  I  sing 
More  wide  in  scope,  more  fresh,  more  fair  and  young 
Than  Plato  dreampt  of,  or  than  Homer  sung. 

ODE  TO  CONNECTICUT. 

IVritUnfor  the  Centennial  Celebration  at  Glastenbury,  Ct.,  May  I8th,  1853. 

By  John  R.  Pease,  Escj. 

When  Freedom,  nursed  'mid  storm  and  strife, 
And  vengeful  foes  that  sought  her  life. 

Was  forced  to  fly  from  Europe's  shore 
Where  bigots  leagued  with  despot  Kirgs, 

'Twas  here  her  holy  Ark  she  bore. 
And  here  she  sped  on  eagle  wings. 

Scarce  had  the  May-Flower  grazed  the  strand — 
The  storm-tost  bark  scarce  fe'it  the  shock. 

When  leapt  the  Pilgrim  to  the  land, 
And  built  upon  the  granite  rock. 
Those  men — that  rock — they  were  the  seeds 
That  ripened  into  mighty  deeds; 

Those  germs  of  Empire  yet  to  be, 
So  faint — so  dim — you  scarce  can  trace. 

Now  stretching  wide  from  sea  to  sea, 
A  hand — a  breath — might  then  efface  : 
Now  grown  so  strong  in  power  and  pride. 
And  mightier  than  the  Ocean's  tide. 

Deep  fixed — secure  the  Temple  rests — 
The  sacred  fire  the  vestal  keeps. 

And  glowing  in  each  patriot  breast 
The  vigilance  that  never  sleejis. 
Those  beacon  heights — that  glorious  bay, — 

The  wave  breaks  on  the  silent  shore. 
No  freighted  ships  at  anchor  lay,  ' 

No  streams  of  Orient  riches  pour 
Where  Commerce  now  has  built  her  mait — 

The  boundless  sea  her  ample  dower, — 
Where  grandeur  dwells  'mid  gorgeous  Art, 

And  trade  and  traffic  rule  the  hour. 
No  chiming  bells,  nor  echoing  feet. 

Nor  swelling  domes  their  halls  adorn — 
The  Indian  trail  was  then  the  street. 

Where  the  lone  hunter  winds  his  horn. 
But,  destined  to  a  glorious  part 

In  that  great  drama  yet  to  come, 
They  shall  respond  with  throbbing  heart 


246 

When  beats  the  Revolution's  drnm  ; 
And  Ht-roes,  Sages,  sliall  arise 
To  draw  the  lightning  from  the  skies. 

'Twas  here  tliose  early  Pioneers 
Had  built  their  homes  and  lit  their  fires. 

Environed  round  with  want  and  fears. 
Where  noV  arise  Tri  Montane  spires, 

And  towering  shaft  from  that  green  mound 
That  lifts  its  column  to  the  sky — 

That  spot  of  consecrated  ground 
Where  martyr  patriots  learned  to  die  ; 

Where  clustering  round  by  sea  and  shore 
So  thick  memoriaSs  now  are  strown. 

The  grateful  heart  its  praise  will  pour 
To  think  this  glorious  land  our  own. 

Here  resting  now  for  a  brief  space. 
Outworn  with  watching,  want  and  woe. 

To  find  a  fairer  resting  place 
A  mighty  summons  bade  them  go  ; 

The  red  man  came  with  truthful  tale. 
And  painted  to  their  longing  eyes 

The  glowing  beauties  of  that  vale 
That  seemed  to  them  a  Paradise. 
When  in  that  dim  and  distant  day 

They  followed  on  their  pathless  track, 
Hope  was  the  star  that  led  the  way. 

There  was  no  fear  nor  looking  back. 
The  forest  rung  with  hymns  of  praise. 

Nor  were  there  wanting  sounds  of  glee 
To  cheer  them  in  their  weary  days. 

With  songs  of  lighter  Minstrelsy 
They  sang  old  England's  ballads  o'er 

Of  Chevy  Chace  and  Robin  Hootl, 
And  on  this  new  and  verdant  shore 

They  seemed  more  felt  and  understood; 
For  half  the  meaning  of  a  song 

Lies  in  some  sentimental  nook; 
And  now  their  hearts  were  beating  strong. 

And  they  were  reading  Nature's  Book. 
They  scaled  the  mountain's  lofty  height. 

And  many  a  rugged  hill  they  climb; 
They  made  their  couch  in  darksome  night 

Beneath  those  forests  in  their  prime. 
And  Woman's  voice, — sweet  as  a  lute 

Touched  by  some  skilled  but  unseen  hand — - 
And  her  bright  smile  in  language  mute. 

Cheered  with  new  life  th<^  toding  band. 
Nor  did  their  dauntless  courage  yield 

Whate'er  opposed  by  flood  or  field  : — 
For  well  had  Hooker  culled  his  flock — 

He  had  a  keen  and  searching  way — 
They  were  the  heart  of  Plymouth  Rock, 

The  flower  of  Masaehusetts  Bay. 
The  crystal  waters  of  the  spring 

That  gushes  forth  in  desert  drear, 
And  all  around  doth  freshness  fling, 

Like  music  to  the  traveller's  ear, 
When  fainting  'neath  the  noon-day's  Stan 

With  half  his  journey  yet  undone; — 
So  they  beheld  that  river  broad 

Roll  its  bright  wave  the  banks  between. 
And,  kneeling  on  the  emerald  sod. 


247 

Th(>y  hallowed  iliero  the  glorious  sci'iie 
Here  rolled  the  stream,  majestic,  slow, 

As  if  rejoioiiii^  in  its  toils, — 
There  wiiidiiii^  like  a  bended  liow, — 

Tlu'rt-  like  a  .serpent  spread  its  coils. 
No  forests  dense  to  hide  the  scene. 
But  wave  and  vale  oft  intervene. 
And  as  if  art  and  nature  strove 
To  make  a  home  for  man  to  love; 
It  seemed  like  Eden's  fairest  bowers. 
And  blushed  with  countless  unknown  llower- 
No  hand  was  there — no  skill  to  dress — 
The  savage  of  the  wilderness 
In  Nature's  rude  untutored  ways 
Had  learned  to  plant  the  golden  maize. 
But  else,  through  all  the  boundless  plain, 
Here  Nature  held  her  ancient  reign. 
Now  liither  came  a  chosen  band, 
To  dwell  in  this,  the  jiromised  land; 
Not  with  regret,  remorse,  or  shame. 
But  like  a  S|)aitan  phalanx  came. 
In  every  man  burned  wild  desire. 
Their  hearts,  their  souls  were  all  on  fire 
With  some  unseen  but  certain  good 
That  part  was  felt — part  iuiderstO(jd. 
Tliey  came  led  on  by  lofty  fate 
To  ])lant  the  noblest — freest  state 
That  mortal  man  hath  ever  seen — 
The  gem  of  all  the  old  Thirteen  ! 
And  coming  down  to  Charter  days. 
They  still  held  on  their  stubborn  ways; 
For  they  were  men  to  give  a  tone. 
They  had  a  standard  of  their  own, 
They  had  no  King  to  fetter  thought, 
Their  Constitution  was  self-wiought. 
They  had  command  at  Bunker  Hill, 

They  took  old  Ti  by  coup  de  nniin, 
They  had  a  chance  tlieir  blood  to  spill 

On  Saratoga's  crowning  plain: 
Theirs  was  the  flag  the  tirst  unfurled — 
And  spelling  books  for  all  the  world  ! 

The  glory  of  old  classic  days 

When  man  was  happy,  brave  and  free, 
Ere  he  had  learned  the  modern  ways. 

Sprung  from  the  "  tierce  Democracie." 
You  may  untoinb  all  Egypt's  Kings 

Whom  now  the  drifting  sands  have  hid. 
And  you  shall  find  them  soulless  things 

Although  they  built  the  Pyramid. 
You  may  dig  up  long  buried  thrones. 
And  lind  the  Persian's  mouldering  bones, 

The  Assyrian  and  the  Mede, 
Yet  what  avails  if  you  untold 
The  buried  hoards  of  Croesus  gold  ; — 

You  find  no  worthy  deed. 
For  died  with  them  all  they  possessed. 
The  toiling  millions  tiiey  o[)pressed. 

Where  is  their  glory  now  ? 
Where  is  their  record  bright  of  fame 
But  Slink  in  never  dying  shame.' 

And,  upturned  by  the  plough. 


248 

You  find  some  crumbling  brick  or  stone — 

'Tis  iill  remains  of  Babylon. 

But  glorious  Greece,  although  have  fled 

Her  splendor  and  her  tnighty  dead, 

Was  nurtured  in  a  ditierent  school — 

'Twas  there  the  People  held  the  rule  ; 

And  thoughts  yet  live  and  arts  survive 

Enough  to  keep  the  world  alive. 

So  our  gooa  State,  with  all  her  claims 

To  lofty  deeds  and  shining  names 

That  fill  her  catalogue  of  fame. 

Has  not  so  just,  so  proud  a  claim 

As  this,  that  they  were  ever  free 

And  that  they  ever  mean  to  be. 

The  red  man's  race  has  vanished  now, 

And  destiny  her  work  has  done  ; 
The  pale  face  drives  his  gleaming  plough 

As  fade  the  stars  before  the  sun. 
The  Podunk  now  has  left  the  shore. 

No  more  the  good  Mohegan's  found, 
The  Pequot's  fearfid  reign  is  o'er. 

And  peaceful  smiles  the  "  bloody  ground." 
The  Narragansett  is  expelled 
From  every  hold  and  height  he  held, 
While  equal  shines  the  fadeless  sun 
On  those  that  lost  and  those  that  won. 
Ye  who  in  the  desert  wild 
Rocked  the  helpless  infant  child, — 
Who,  when  the  storm-cloud  learful  nigh 
Muttered  in  the  threatening  sky, 
Unbared  your  head  and  stalwart  arm 
To  shield  the  nursling  from  all  harm, — 
How  shall  we  the  deed  forget .' 
How  shall  we  repay  the  debt 
But  your  example  to  impart 
And  write  your  names  upon  the  heart .' 
And  ye  who  in  more  "Latter  days" 
Awake  the  grateful  theme  of  praise, 
How  shall  we  well  ascribe  the  fame 
That  glows  around  a  Trumbull's  name? — 
And  Allen  in  whom  all  powers  combined — 
The  Titan  both  in  form  and  mind; 
And  Putnam,  fearless,  brave  and  true, 
And  Ledyard,  Ktiowlton,  Wooster  too, 
And  Barlow  with  his  epic  page. 
And  Wolcot  wise,  and  Sherman  sage. 
And  He,  while  honor  shall  prevail. 
Immortal,  unforgotten  Hale! 
Sublime  even  from  imputed  shame — 
A  hero  and  a  martyr  name. 

My  native  land,  my  native  State! 

Where'er  thy  sons  and  daughters  be. 
They  still  revere  thy  name  as  great 

As  when  thou  nursed  their  infancy. 
Save  in  extent  thou  art  more  great. 

Where  Freedom  blooms  forever  fair. 
My  own,  my  gallant  little  State, 

Than  many  boundless  Empires  are. 
I  would  to  ward  the  shock  of  fate 

Both  peril  life  by  land  and  sea, 


249 

My  own,  my  f^lorioii-:,  free-born  State, 

Such  is  till-  love  I  Ijciir  to  lliee. 
Nor  will  I  ever  liold  my  breath 

SlioiiUl  jilander  dare  aspi^rse  thy  name, 
But  Ibllow  ii|)  the  lie  to  ileatli, 

And  brand  the  eoward  with  liis  shame. 
For  thee  the  Poet  wreathes  his  lyre, 

Antl  litids  new  glories  unrevealed; 
For  thee  the  I'atriot  wakes  his  fire 

When  honor  seeks  the  "  tented  field," 
For  thee  the  Saj^e  explores  the;  mine 

W'lu're  knowledge  deeply  buried  lies. 
So  that  the  light  shall  brightly  shine 

On  dark  and  hidden  mysteries. 
For  lovelier  seenes  Heaven  never  gave. 
In  Tempe's  vale,  by  Arno's  wave, 
Nor  where  the  rich  argosies  ride 
On  Sacramento's  golden  tide. 
Than  cluster  round  thy  sea  and  shore, 
Abiding  there  foreverinore. 


THE  POOLS  OF  NIPSIC. 

There's  corn  in  the  meadow^,  there's  grain  on  the  hills. 
Let  the  farmer  rejoice  as  his  garners  he  fills. 
That  he  dwells  in  his  glory  these  fair  scenes  among. 
That  are  known  unto  story  and  wove  into  song. 

Let  the  sweet  pools  of  Nipsic  like  diamonds  that  glow, 
Spread  greenness  and  beauty  where  the  bright  waters  flow  ; 
Here  the  Lidian  resorted  his  strength  to  restore — 
Be  thy  water  still  healing  till  time  is  no  more. 

Let  hill-girdled  Naubuc  as  in  her  bright  day. 
When  the  wild  cat  and  wolf  kept  the  hunter  at  bay  ; 
Let  her  prowess  inspire  to  more  lolty  rewards 
And  light  up  the  fire  in  the  breast  of  her  guards. 

Nor  Nayaug  is  wanting  amid  these  old  names, 

A  tithe  of  the  honor  she  merits  and  claims, 

Tho'  her  tribes  are  now  sleeping  and  her  glory  is  tied 

And  her  daughters  are  weeping  that  their  Chieftains  are  dead. 

While  the  broad  river  flows  in  its  glory  along. 

Let  us  cherish  these  scenes  both  in  story  and  song  ; 

And  the  sweet  pools  of  Nipsic  like  diamonds  that  glow 

Spread  greenness  and  beauty  where  the  bright  waters  flow. 


GLASTENBURY. 

In  "  old  Connecticut"  the  better  part, 

Glastonbury  is  nearest  to  the  heart. 

Hail  Glastenbury,  with  her  hundred  hills! 


250 

Her  verdant  pastures  and  her  flowing  rills — 

Her  flowery  meadows  and  her  rural  siiades — 

Her  gallant  yeomen  and  her  beauteous  maids. 

Hail  glorious  clime!  fair  land  of  Freedom  hail! 

May  thy  Arm  landmarks  never  fade  or  fail. 

Hail  rugged  nurse,  to  win  whose  hard- won  spoil 

The  brain  must  ponder  and  the  hand  must  toil. 

We  would  not  roam  where  wealth  is  lightly  won, 

Nor  change  our  skies  for  a  more  genial  sun; 

We  would  not  seek  for  a  more  fertile  soil 

Nor  go  where  millions  unrequited  toil 

But  here  abide,  where  on  hill,  plain  and  glen, 

That  show  the  skill  and  labor  of  her  men, 

The  spire  and  tower  rising  beside  the  road, 

Invite  to  worship — point  the  way  to  God  ; 

And  where  the  school-house  yet  remains  our  pride — 

Stands  like  a  light-house  on  the  mountain's  side — 

From  whence  goes  forth  a  bright  and  chosen  band 

To  scatter  science  widely  through  the  land. 

Though  other  lands  their  richer  fields  may  boast 

Than  glad  the  culture  of  our  rock-bound  coast. 

We  envy  not,  our  thoughts,  our  actions  free, 

We  rea|)  our  harvests  ironi  the  boundless  sea? 

Though  broader  streams  whose  virgin  soil  can  yield 

The  rich  productions  of  the  cotton  field, 

For  these  we  sigh  not,  when  summer  hours  adorn 

Our  hills  and  valleys  with  their  stately  coin. 

Though  lovelier  flowers  in  sunnier  lands  may  twine, 

And  riper  clusters  bend  the  loaded  vine. 

Though  there  be  sands  filled  with  auriferous  ore — 

Australian  Isles, — and  California's  shore, 

Not  these  we  claim, — meanwhile  our  rugged  soil 

Shall  yield  its  harvests  to  the  hand  of  toil ; 

Nor  on  luxurious,  pampering  dainties  fed. 

We  grow  more  robust  on  our  Indian  bread; 

And  though  our  clime  no  spice  or  silk  can  show 

Yet  'tis  the  land  where  milk  and  honey  flow. 

Our  own,  our  good  land,  that  gave  us  birth, 

The  greenest — fairest — dearest  of  the  earth. 

For  this  have  good  men  toiled  and  patriots  bled, 

For  this  have  sworn  the  living  and  the  dead. 

Here  shall  no  sect,  no  creed,  no  ))arty-sway 

Dim  the  proud  glories  of  young  Freedom's  day. 

Here. shall  the  Truth  with  brightening  step  advance, 

And  Science  reason  with  a  Proidiet's  glance. 

We  would  not  boast,  in  Pharisaic  tone. 

Of  vested  virtues  which  are  ours  alone 

Enough  for  us,  what  Liberty  instills, — 

Our  Pdgrini  lineage,  and  our  granite  hills. 


251 

In  the  midst  of  the  festivities  on  the  preceding  oceasion, 
the  following  vote  was  proposed  and  carried  by  acclamation: 

Voted  vnani/nousfi/j  That  a  copy  of  the  Historical  Dis- 
course, this  day  delivered  before  us  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  C^'hapin, 
be  presented  by  tiie  citizens  of  Glastenbury,  Connecticut, 
U.  S.  A.,  to  the  citizens  of  Glastonbury,  Eng.,  as  soon  as 
published. 


252 

MEANING  OF  ABBREVIATIONS  IN  THE  NOTES  TO  THIS  VOLUME. 

All.,  Allen.     Allen's  Biographical  Dictionary. 

A.  Q.  R.,  Am.  Q.  R.     American  Quarterly  Register. 

B.  H.  C.  G.     Barber's  Historical  Collections  of  Connecticut. 

Bag.  Hist.  Disc.     Rev.  Dr.  Bacon's  History  of  First  Church,  New  Haven. 
Bare.     Dr.  Barrant,  in  his  various  Indian  publications. 
Caulk.     Miss  Caulkins'  History  of  New  London. 
Conn.  Evang.  Mag.     The  Connecticut  Evangelical  Magazine. 
Conn.  S.  P.,  T.  &  L.     Connecticut  State  Papers,  Towns  and  Lands. 
Conn.  S.  P.,  P.  C.     Connecticut  State  Papers,  Private  Controversies. 
Conn.  S.  P.,  Ecc.     Connecticut  State  Papers,  Ecclesiastical  matters. 
Cot.     Rev.  J.  Cotton,  Jr.,  vocabulary  of  the  Indian  Language. 
Def.,  D.  I.     Deforest's  Indians  of  Connecticut. 
Ell.     Elliot's  Indian  Grammar. 
Gal.     Gallatin's  Indian  Tribes  of  North  America. 
Gen.  Reg.     Genealogical  Kegister. 
G.  L.  R.     Glastenbury  Land  Records. 
G.  T.  V.     Glastenbury  Town  Votes. 

Good.  F.  G.     Goodwin's  Genealogy  of  the  Foote  Family. 
H.  P.     Hinman's  Puritans,  2d  work. 
H.  P.  S.     Hinman's  Puritan  Settlers,  1st  work. 
I.  P.  M.     Barratt's  Indian  Proprietors  of  Mattabeseck. 
Lamb.     Lambert's  History  ol'  New  Haven  Colony. 

Math.  Mag.     Cotton  Mather's  Magnalia,  or  Wonder-workings  in  New  En- 
gland. 
M.  R.  I.     Morse's  Report  on  the  Indians  in  1824. 
Per.  Geo.  Rep.     Percival's  Geological  Report  of  Connecticut. 
PoR.  Hart.     Porter's  Historical  Notices  of  Hartford. 
R.  W.     Roger  Williams'  Key  to  the  Indian  Languages. 
T.  C.  R.     Trumbull's  Colonial  Records. 
Trumb.  H.  C.     Trumbull's  History  of  Connecticut. 
T.  L.  I.     Thompson's  History  of  Long  Island. 
Winthrop.     Winthrop's  Journal  by  Savage. 
W.  R.     Wethersfield  Records. 
W.  T.  V.     Wethersfield  Town  Votes. 


ERRATA. 

The  distance  of  the  author  from  the  press,  the  impossibility  of  his  seeing  the 
revised  proof,  together  with  his  sickness  during  a  part  of  the  time  it  was  going 
through  the  press,  has  prevented  him  from  detecting  and  correcting  all  the 
errors.     The  following  have  been  noticed  :  others  may  possibly  occur. 

P.  51,  1.  26  from  top,  p.  52, 1.  4  from  bottom,  read  William,  lor  Samuel  Miller. 

P.  ISO,  1.  16  from  top,  for  Mary  North,  ( IVid.,)  read  Lucy  Ann  North,  (Wid.) 

P.  213,  1.  6,  from  top,  for  Brace,  Jonathan  K.,  read  Thomas  K. 

P.  213, 1.  13  from  top,  for  Brainard,  Edwin  S.,  read  Edwin  W. 

P.  214,  1.  10  from  bottom,  for  Hale,  IV.  Elias,  read  Elias  W. 

P.  223,  1.  22  from  top,  lor  Edwin  Hubbard,  read  Edward  Hubbard. 


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